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unevenness

unevenness

1 5.1
A state in which something is not level or smooth
  • noun
  • /ʌnˈivənnəs/
translation icon : irregularidad
  • Even though Bill reciprocated by periodically taking us to dinner at a local restaurant, there was an unevenness about the arrangement.

Examples

  • A slight unevenness in the heating would cause deep fissures in the surface.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Of interest also is how the Internet reflects disparities in development and global power imbalances in the unevenness of access.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Despite the unevenness of media reaction to the report, abundant word did get out.

    Academic text (2006)
  • The future development of the growth-with-equity model might be characterized by a similar unevenness among countries.

    Academic text (2000)
  • In schoolwork and adult employment, these individuals are characterized by unevenness or breaks in the work patterns.

    Academic text (2006)
  • The problem is not the paucity of research on immigrant women, but the unevenness of its reception.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Considerable unevenness remains across agencies in terms of special admissions criteria for high-tech patients.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Prior to the 1930s, the NPS had been faulted for its "unevenness" in representing cultural heritages.

    Academic text (2009)
  • The gardener noticed some unevenness in the soil, making it difficult for plants to grow properly.

  • The artist intentionally left some unevenness in the brush strokes to create a unique texture in the painting.

Synonyms

imbalance
vsunevenness
86 4.2

When different parts are not equal in amount or power

describes lack of level smooth surface or uniformity rather than part proportions
variability
vsunevenness
29 5.7

The amount that something changes over time or between things

refers to a steady lack of level smoothness or uniformity rather than change
irregularity
vsunevenness
13 5.1

A lack of regular pattern or evenness

focuses on lack of level or smooth surface rather than pattern
roughness
vsunevenness
4 3.4

The way a surface feels when it is not smooth

refers more broadly to lack of level or regularity not only surface
bumpity
vsunevenness
  • Informal
2 9.1

A rough, uneven surface that makes travel feel jumpy

means general lack of level or smoothness rather than focused bumps
nonhomogeneity
vsunevenness
9.9

Different parts of something that are not the same throughout

emphasizes general lack of level or smoothness rather than internal mixture
raggedness
vsunevenness
6.2

An uneven, rough surface or edge you can feel

describes general lack of level or smooth surface rather than only edges
coarseness
vsunevenness
4.1

A rough texture that is not smooth

focuses on lack of level or regular form rather than coarse texture
geometrical irregularity
vsunevenness
  • Specialized
8.1

An uneven shape or pattern that is not the same on both sides

is a broader term for lack of level or smoothness beyond geometry
dissymmetry
vsunevenness
9.2

A situation where two or more parts are not the same

applies to general lack of level or regularity rather than part proportions
patchiness
vsunevenness
7.1

Uneven quality or performance across different parts

focuses on physical or spatial lack of level or smoothness rather than quality

Antonyms

uniformity
  • Specialized
18 4.6

The state of being the same in all parts

5 1.9

An even surface without rough parts

1 3.9

How smooth and the same something is across a surface or over time

How Even

evenness
1 3.9
smoothness
5 1.9
unevenness
1 5.1
bumpiness
1 4.6
roughness
4 3.4
irregularity
13 5.1

Surface Forms

unevenness singular
unevennesses plural

Morphology

unevenness = uneven (transparent) = un + even + ness

The noun 'unevenness' is transparently derived from the adjective 'uneven' by adding the suffix '-ness' to indicate a state or quality.

Etymology

Unevenness comes from the parts un- 'not', even 'level', and -ness 'state'. So unevenness is the 'state of not being level', which is why we use it for surfaces that are rough or for progress that is not steady.