Word
unevenly
Phoneticsun·even·ly
US/əˈnivənɫi/
UK/ʌnˈiːvənli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is not equal, even, or smooth in all parts. You use it when some parts have more of something than others.
adv. in a non-uniform or irregular manner, with variation in amount, quality, or surface level. Applies to physical texture, distribution, and performance.
Examples
“The paint spreads unevenly on the rough wall.”
“The new road wears unevenly because heavy trucks use the right lane far more than the left.”
“Wealth accumulates unevenly across regions, concentrating opportunity in urban centres while rural communities face slower growth and fewer services.”
Examples
simple
“The paint spreads unevenly on the rough wall.”
contextual
“The new road wears unevenly because heavy trucks use the right lane far more than the left.”
complex
“Wealth accumulates unevenly across regions, concentrating opportunity in urban centres while rural communities face slower growth and fewer services.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unevenly” in context.
Verb
01. apply unevenly
“He applied the paint unevenly, leaving visible streaks.”
verb + adv
02. breathe unevenly
“After the sprint, he was breathing unevenly and sat down.”
verb + adv
03. divide unevenly
“The manager divided the shifts unevenly among the staff.”
verb + adv
04. fall unevenly
“Snow fell unevenly overnight, covering only the hills.”
verb + adv
05. grow unevenly
“The crops grew unevenly after the long drought in May.”
verb + adv
06. share unevenly
“Wealth is shared unevenly between the north and south.”
verb + adv
07. spread unevenly
“She spread the jam unevenly, leaving thick lumps in places.”
verb + adv
08. breathe unevenly after exercise
“She was breathing unevenly after exercise and needed water.”
09. develop unevenly over time
“The city's neighbourhoods have developed unevenly over time.”
10. distribute resources unevenly
“The council distributes resources unevenly across districts.”
11. divide profits unevenly
“The partners agreed to divide the profits unevenly this year.”
12. spread unevenly across region
“Rainfall spread unevenly across the region during the summer.”
Usage
Manner adverb — typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause.
Etymology
From uneven + -ly or un- + evenly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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