unevenly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unevenly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not uniform or consistent in distribution, quality, or degree. Example: "The paint was applied unevenly, resulting in a patchy finish on the wall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a rich society there are concerns that wealth and opportunity are unevenly spread.

The Guardian

The rooms in the individual cottages, set on the hillside above the beach, are ambitiously authentic, Indonesian-style distressed chic - you only know the walls are meant to look unevenly painted in an aggressive brown because you wouldn't be paying £250 a night otherwise.

The Guardian - Travel

The seemingly arbitrary nature of the curfew's enforcement has led activists to voice their concern that the curfew was targeting poor black communities unevenly.

The Guardian

In Tory chancellor George Osborne's first budget, the effects of the unevenly distributed £6bn of local authority cuts and the punitive £81bn cuts of the comprehensive spending review were all designed to be regressive.

The Guardian - Business

But the other issue, as both writers note, is that reclining rights are already allocated unevenly: having less legroom is a lot more bearable if you are short.

The Economist

Rather than bribing individual firms to attend the party, it would be more efficient to make the region equally inviting for all.The South's prosperity is unevenly spread.

The Economist

The region has grown quickly and unevenly since then but the law has proved resilient; states used to sue each other with wearying frequency but now work together well.The problem is that 1922 fell in an unusually wet period.

The Economist

But the benefits of technological progress are unevenly distributed, especially in the early stages of each new wave, and it is up to governments to spread them.

The Economist

This directive was applied unevenly, but the army has since complained that legal uncertainty is hobbling its operations.

The Economist

It is common sense.Beyond victimhoodA new attitude also means recognising that the old policies have had a perverse effect: the huge gains that blacks have experienced since the Civil Rights Act have been unevenly distributed.

The Economist

These have a whiff of self interest about them: they are the kind of studies that get press released but not peer reviewed.A paper by two researchers at Microsoft, Dinei Florencio and Cormac Herley, shows why: because losses are unevenly distributed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unevenly" to describe not just distributions, but also processes and their outcomes, to show the inconsistency and potentially unfair results that stem from them.

Common error

Avoid using "unevenly" when you actually mean 'slightly'. "Unevenly" implies a significant disparity or inconsistency, not a minor difference.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "unevenly" primarily functions to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed or a quality is exhibited. It describes a lack of uniformity or equality, as seen in Ludwig's examples where wealth and opportunities are "unevenly" spread.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unevenly" is a versatile adverb used to describe the lack of uniformity or equality in various contexts. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. When using "unevenly", be mindful of its scope, ensuring it appropriately conveys a significant disparity rather than a minor difference. Alternatives like "disproportionately", "unequally", and "irregularly" can offer nuanced distinctions in meaning. By understanding its proper usage and exploring its related phrases, writers can effectively communicate the presence and implications of imbalances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unequally

This term focuses on the lack of equality in the distribution or treatment of something.

disproportionately

This alternative highlights the unequal distribution or effect, emphasizing a greater impact on one area or group compared to others.

inconsistently

This highlights the lack of uniformity or reliability in application or occurrence.

irregularly

This suggests a lack of consistent pattern or arrangement.

erratically

This suggests unpredictable or unstable variations.

haphazardly

This implies a lack of planning or organization, resulting in a random or unsystematic distribution.

asymmetrically

This emphasizes a lack of symmetry in the distribution or arrangement.

patchily

This is used to describe something that occurs in isolated areas or spots, rather than being spread uniformly.

variably

This suggests that the extent or degree of something changes or fluctuates.

disparately

This term emphasizes the distinct and unequal nature of different elements or groups.

FAQs

How can I use "unevenly" in a sentence?

"Unevenly" is used to describe something that is not uniform or equal. For example, "The workload was "unevenly" distributed among the team members", indicating some members had more work than others.

What words can I use instead of "unevenly"?

Alternatives to "unevenly" include "disproportionately", "unequally", or "irregularly". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something is "unevenly distributed"?

Yes, "unevenly distributed" is a correct and common phrase. It means that something is not spread or allocated in a uniform or equal manner. For example, "Wealth is "unevenly" distributed in the world".

What's the difference between "unevenly" and "irregularly"?

While both suggest a lack of uniformity, "unevenly" often implies a disparity in quantity or degree, whereas "irregularly" suggests a lack of consistent pattern or timing. The radiation levels, for example, subsided "unevenly", meaning the reductions varied by location.