Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • In the terminology of Herbert Spencer, entirely destitute of approximation toward symmetry, and thus distinguished from unsymmetrical.
  • Not symmetrical; unsymmetrical.
  • In mathematics, not having commensurability; incommensurable. Inharmonious; not reconcilable.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adjective Not symmetrical.
  • adjective of a question Presenting a false dilemma, or a choice between two things which are not opposites.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adjective irregular in shape or outline
  • adjective characterized by asymmetry in the spatial arrangement or placement of parts or components

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word asymmetrical.

Examples

  • SAN MIGUEL: And we have heard since 9/11 the term asymmetrical warfare used a lot.

    CNN Transcript Mar 29, 2003 2003

  • If being asymmetrical is the design focus, why put it in a rectangular frame? sasha on 28 Jan 2009 at 4: 06 am # wow! never seen anything like this before!

    The Dekka Daybed by FurnID 2009

  • And yet, the reason why most wars today are asymmetrical is precisely due to the fact that America has held the world in a territorial stasis where conventional warfare does not bring as much benefit as insurgency does.

    The New URL for the War Nerd is… « PurpleSlog – Awesomeness & Modesty Meets Sexy 2008

  • Of course, Scarlett Johansson regularly flaunts her hourglass curves, but lately she's also revealing her elegant neckline in asymmetrical dresses.

    Celeb Style: Flaunt what you got whatever your size; video 2008

  • They are too stupid to fight a long-term asymmetrical war, precisely because they can't admit to and adjust for their weaknesses.

    John Seery: Thinking Like a Terrorist 2008

  • As the curvature of the wing changed, the lift increased, causing the Columbia to want to roll violently to the right; at the same time, because of an increase in asymmetrical drag, it yawed violently to the left.

    Columbia's Last Flight 2003

  • As the curvature of the wing changed, the lift increased, causing the Columbia to want to roll violently to the right; at the same time, because of an increase in asymmetrical drag, it yawed violently to the left.

    Columbia's Last Flight 2003

  • But one of the journalists here uses the phrase asymmetrical warfare being very difficult to fight.

    CNN Transcript Mar 24, 2003 2003

  • Armed conflicts of this type have sometimes been termed "asymmetrical" -- an adjective used principally with reference to the fact that the protagonists are a state, with all its might and force, and an organization with few heavy arms and a limited number of fighters.

    Never Yet Melted 2010

  • Iran's response, Hersh said, is likely to be "asymmetrical" - instead of striking back directly at the US, they will "hit the oil" in the Gulf.

    Jon Wiener: Seymour Hersh: Obama 'Only Hope' for US-Muslim Ties 2008

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.