What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unbalanced
Example
The distribution of resources was unbalanced, with some areas receiving more than others. [unbalanced: adjective]
Example
She felt unbalanced after the sudden news of her father's death. [unbalanced: adjective]
Example
The unbalanced load caused the truck to tip over. [unbalanced: adjective]
uneven
Example
The path was uneven and rocky, making it difficult to walk. [uneven: adjective]
Example
The team's performance was uneven throughout the season. [uneven: adjective]
Example
The distribution of wealth in the country was uneven, with a small percentage of people holding most of the resources. [uneven: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Uneven is more commonly used than unbalanced in everyday language. Uneven is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while unbalanced is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unbalanced and uneven?
Both unbalanced and uneven are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.