unequal

Everyday

1. Unequal means not the same in size, amount or value. tree →
2. Unequal also means not fair, when people are treated differently or have different chances. tree →
3. Unequal to a task means not good enough or strong enough for it (formal). tree →

In the lessons

In maths, unequal parts are not the same size; fractions need equal parts. In history and ethics, unequal treatment of people is unfair. Phrases: unequal parts, unequal shares, unequal treatment.

Examples

• The cake was cut into unequal pieces. tree →
• Those two lines are unequal in length. tree →
• Fractions need equal parts, not unequal ones. tree →
• Long ago, women had unequal rights. tree →
• It was an unequal fight between the giant and the boy. tree →
• He was unequal to the hard job. tree →
• After you have eaten cut one of these apples in two unequal parts, and ask him to take one. tree →

Note

Prefix un- + equal. In maths the symbol ≠ means «is not equal to». Halves must be equal parts; unequal pieces are not halves.

In Jewish tradition

In Ezekiel it means unfair or unjust. The people accuse God of being unfair, and God says it is their ways that are unfair.

Interpretation. Tradition reads this chapter as teaching that each person is responsible for his own deeds and that God judges fairly. Return and repentance are always possible.

Examples

• O house of Israel, is it My ways that are not equal? is it not your ways that are unequal? (Prophets EZK.18.29, JPS 1917) tree →
• Hear now, O house of Israel: Is it My way that is not equal? is it not your ways that are unequal? (Prophets EZK.18.25, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Prefix un- + equal. In maths the symbol ≠ means «is not equal to». Halves must be equal parts; unequal pieces are not halves.