asymmetrical

adjective

asym·​met·​ri·​cal ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce asymmetrical (audio)
variants or asymmetric
1
: having two sides or halves that are not the same : not symmetrical
an asymmetrical design
asymmetrical shapes
2
usually asymmetric of a carbon atom : bonded to four different atoms or groups
asymmetrically adverb

Examples of asymmetrical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Romanek suggests asymmetrical, unexpected greenery—like delicate quince branches, a lush explosion of jasmine, or wild, wispy grasses. Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025 The floor-length, black gown, which debuted in Paris Couture Week earlier this year, features an asymmetrical top speckled with flames, and a sheer skirt that flows into a long train — also enveloped in flames. Bailey Richards, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025 As a hint into the genre of beauty (this was the first show attended by ASAP Rocky, which may indicate a market for men) this season’s makeup—asymmetrical lashes, sheer lips, and sublime skin by Pat McGrath—was complimented with playfully coiffed 1920s-30s hairdos. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 13 Mar. 2025 The penial fold, however, is asymmetrical, earning the species its name, researchers said. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for asymmetrical

Word History

Etymology

Greek asymmetria lack of proportion, from asymmetros ill-proportioned, from a- + symmetros symmetrical

First Known Use

1690, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of asymmetrical was in 1690

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Asymmetrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asymmetrical. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

asymmetrical

adjective
asym·​met·​ri·​cal ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce asymmetrical (audio)
variants or asymmetric
: not symmetrical
asymmetrically adverb
asymmetry noun

Medical Definition

asymmetrical

adjective
asym·​met·​ri·​cal ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce asymmetrical (audio)
variants or asymmetric
1
: not symmetrical
2
usually asymmetric, of a carbon atom : bonded to four different atoms or groups
asymmetrically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on asymmetrical

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