# asymmetry

/ˌeɪˈsɪmətɹi/ (US) · /eɪsˈɪmətɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/asymmetry
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a lack of balance or equality between two sides or parts. It describes a situation where one side is different from the other.

For teachers: the state or quality of being unequal or dissimilar in size, shape, or distribution. Often used in physics, mathematics, and social sciences to describe a lack of symmetry.

## Examples

- The building has an interesting asymmetry in its design.
- The team's success was due to the asymmetry in their strategy, which caught the opponents completely off guard.
- In physics, the violation of parity symmetry in weak nuclear interactions led to the discovery of fundamental asymmetry in the universe's fundamental forces.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.