lopsided relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lopsided relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship where one party has more power, influence, or investment than the other, often leading to imbalance or unfairness. Example: "Their friendship felt more like a lopsided relationship, with one person always giving more than they received."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

China trades more goods in a week with India than Britain does in a month.This lopsided relationship reflects both countries' strengths and flaws.

The Economist

It's a hazy, sentimental song about realizing that you're on the bummer end of a lopsided relationship.

The New Yorker

If the lopsided relationship between men and women in music was only played out in these pretty terrible ways, it might be easier to eradicate.

The Guardian - Music

But the lopsided relationship between Albert J. Pirro Jr. and Anthony G. Pirro has badly frayed since they were indicted on Federal tax-fraud charges in February 1999.

The New York Times

Since Thomas Jefferson offered to buy the island from the Spanish in 1809, it has been an lopsided relationship that has shaped both countries, but inevitably the effect on Cubans has been far greater.

The Guardian

This includes the paralleling of Dan and Diana's marriage with Natalie and Henry's lopsided relationship; Natalie's rigid quest for perfection in school because she can't have it at home; and the symbolic problems generated by treatment-induced memory loss.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Michel's relationship with the beautiful Annabelle seems no more promising than any of Bruno's romantic adventures: "Twenty-five years later it was clear to Bruno that everything about their relationship had been lopsided, out of kilter, abnormal -- there had never been a future in it".

The New York Times - Books

The power relationship is incredibly lopsided.

TechCrunch

There's a real danger that women in a relationship as manipulative, lopsided, controlling, and physically imperiling as the one between Ana and Grey may not see it as a sign to run, but as something romantic that could eventually lead to an abuse-free relationship as long as the woman can be accommodating and stick it out long enough.

Huffington Post

Yet, at a time when the China-India trade relationship is already lopsided, with Beijing exporting three times as much as it imports and treating India as a raw material appendage of its economy like Africa, Modi must find ways to address this glaring asymmetry while seeking to make a cash-rich China an important partner in India's developmental priorities.

Huffington Post

The relationship is not completely lopsided; thanks to its colonial history, the UK has been able to offer the NSA access to a network of listening stations across the globe, in places such as Hong Kong.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "lopsided relationship", be specific about the aspects that are imbalanced. For instance, is it an imbalance of power, effort, or emotional investment?

Common error

Avoid vaguely labeling a relationship as "lopsided" without providing context. Clearly articulate what makes the relationship unequal, such as one partner consistently giving more or having significantly more influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lopsided relationship" primarily functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of connection. It is often used to characterize the quality of a relationship, indicating an imbalance or inequality, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lopsided relationship" is a noun phrase used to describe an unequal or imbalanced connection. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. When using the phrase, be clear about what aspects of the relationship are uneven, such as power, effort, or emotional investment. Alternatives include "unequal partnership", "imbalanced dynamic", and "asymmetrical bond". Be mindful of potential overgeneralizations, ensuring that you provide specific details about the imbalance. Overall, the phrase is versatile and widely understood, making it a valuable term for describing various kinds of disproportionate dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lop-sided connection

Offers a slightly more informal variation, emphasizing imbalance.

unequal partnership

Focuses on the disparity in contributions or benefits within a formal collaboration.

imbalanced dynamic

Highlights the uneven distribution of power or influence within an interaction.

asymmetrical bond

Emphasizes the lack of symmetry in emotional or practical investment in a connection.

disproportionate connection

Points out the uneven distribution of resources or effort within a relationship.

one-sided affair

Stresses the lack of reciprocity and mutual engagement in a relationship.

uneven alliance

Indicates that the benefits and burdens are not shared equally within an association.

skewed interdependence

Highlights how reliance on each other is significantly different between the parties.

unequal footing

Illustrates a power imbalance where partners involved do not have the same advantages, resources or security.

unbalanced power structure

This highlights the distribution of power inside a relationship where one has way more influence and sway over the other.

FAQs

What does "lopsided relationship" mean?

A "lopsided relationship" describes a connection where one party has more power, resources, or influence than the other, leading to an imbalance.

What are some signs of a "lopsided relationship"?

Signs include one person consistently making decisions, one partner giving more than they receive, or a significant power imbalance.

What can I say instead of "lopsided relationship"?

You can use alternatives like "unequal partnership", "imbalanced dynamic", or "asymmetrical bond" depending on the context.

How can you fix a "lopsided relationship"?

Addressing a "lopsided relationship" typically involves open communication, setting boundaries, and ensuring both parties have equal input and respect. Professional help may be needed.