uneven

Definition

Of a surface, not even; covered with raised spots, pits and grooves.

Etymology

From Middle English uneven, from Old English unefen (“unequal, unlike, dissimilar, diverse, irregular”), equivalent to un- + even. Cognate with Dutch oneven (“unequal, uneven, odd”), German uneben (“uneven, rough, irregular, bumpy”).

Example Sentences

• "I've spent hours on overcrowded trains, and time on ones which were almost empty, because the recovery [from COVID] has been uneven."
• "Even white activists who lacked a thoroughgoing anti-racist consciousness or were uneven in their understanding saw unity in the struggle against all forms of oppression as key."

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