asymmetrical

adjective

asym·​met·​ri·​cal ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or asymmetric

ˌā-sə-ˈme-trik 

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

ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of asymmetrical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The body of commentary that has developed since, particularly in the field of postcolonial studies, has traced the ways in which uninvited borrowings follow the vectors of asymmetrical power relations. —Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 2 May 2026

Its carbon steel blade and asymmetrical bevel require more maintenance than the average home cook might be ready to handle. —Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026

For a modern flower arrangement, go for an asymmetrical shape. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026

Salon embraces that motif, with an asymmetrical, curving silhouette that's sure to get plenty of compliments. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 23 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing asymmetrical

• asymmetrical digital subscriber line

Rhymes for asymmetrical

• diametrical
• geometrical
• unsymmetrical
• metrical
• obstetrical
• symmetrical
• trigonometrical

Kids Definition

asymmetrical

adjective

asym·​met·​ri·​cal ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or asymmetric

-trik 

: not symmetrical

asymmetrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

asymmetry

(ˈ)ā-ˈsim-ə-trē 

noun

Medical Definition

asymmetrical

adjective

asym·​met·​ri·​cal ˌā-sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or asymmetric

-trik 

1

: not symmetrical

2

usually asymmetric, of a carbon atom : bonded to four different atoms or groups

asymmetrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb