slightly uneven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly uneven" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not perfectly level or smooth, indicating a minor degree of irregularity. Example: "The table was slightly uneven, causing the dishes to wobble during dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He smiled his slightly uneven smile.

The New York Times - Magazine

But in between, Darkness and Light is slightly uneven.

The Guardian - Music

The refrigerator, for example, had a slightly uneven texture.

The New York Times

Some were typed, the letters fat and slightly uneven.

The New York Times

Script: Copied by one hand in a slightly uneven upright Humanistica Cursiva Formata.

Yale University

The clash of old and new gives Tel Aviv a surprising and slightly uneven gait.

The New York Times - Travel

The unit also had to be bolted to the wall because the floors were slightly uneven.

The New York Times

He had an extraordinary clockwork pocket metronome, which was slightly uneven, and hard to interpret.

The Guardian - Music

Yet Beyoncé's slightly uneven skin was quickly branded as "acne" by the Daily Mail.

Independent

If some sections are slightly uneven, she always brings it back with a battle or a kiss.

The Guardian

And the sheet's slightly uneven trimming around the edges doesn't do much to suggest a precision computing instrument.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, use "slightly uneven" to convey a minor imperfection that doesn't significantly impact functionality but adds character, such as handmade furniture.

Common error

In highly formal or technical writing, consider more precise terms that quantify the degree of irregularity to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "the surface was slightly uneven", provide specific measurements or deviations if available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly uneven" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. As indicated by Ludwig, it modifies nouns to indicate that something is not perfectly level, smooth, or uniform, but the deviation is minor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly uneven" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that describes something with a minor degree of irregularity or imbalance. As noted by Ludwig, it functions to provide nuanced descriptions across diverse contexts, from scientific publications to news articles. The analysis of its usage patterns reveals that it's most common in "News & Media" and "Science", with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employing it. Alternatives such as "somewhat irregular" or "mildly unbalanced" can be used for variety, but the original phrase remains a reliable and versatile option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat irregular

This alternative highlights the irregularity aspect, focusing on the lack of uniformity rather than the degree of imbalance.

mildly unbalanced

This emphasizes the lack of balance, suggesting a gentle rather than a severe offset.

a bit lopsided

Suggests an asymmetry, where one side is slightly lower or smaller than the other.

faintly asymmetrical

This underscores the lack of perfect symmetry in a subtle way.

barely level

Highlights the near lack of perfect alignment on a horizontal axis.

just off-kilter

This suggests something is not quite right or normal, with a quirky nuance.

a tad bumpy

Describes a surface that is not perfectly smooth, focusing on tactile irregularity.

hardly uniform

Focuses on the lack of sameness throughout, emphasizing the variability.

marginally askew

Indicates a slight deviation from a straight or level position.

almost smooth

Highlights the proximity to smoothness, with a small degree of imperfection.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly uneven" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly uneven" to describe surfaces, textures, or even distributions. For example, "The floor was "slightly uneven", so we had to be careful when moving the furniture."

What are some alternatives to "slightly uneven"?

Alternatives include "somewhat irregular", "mildly unbalanced", or "a bit lopsided", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "slightly uneven"?

It's appropriate when you want to indicate a minor imperfection or irregularity that is noticeable but not severe. This phrase works well in both descriptive and technical contexts.

What's the difference between "slightly uneven" and "completely uneven"?

"Slightly uneven" indicates a minor irregularity, while "completely uneven" suggests a significant and obvious difference in level or surface. The former is subtle, while the latter is pronounced.