unevenness

USAGE SUMMARY

'unevenness' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is usually used as a noun to refer to a lack of uniformity or balance. For example, "The unevenness of the kitchen tiles created an oddly textured surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Obviously, such a major transformation was never going to be easy, and there have been concerns about corruption and unevenness in implementation across states.

The Guardian

For the first time this year the UN's report also considers the unevenness in the distribution of wealth, health and education among a country's people to produce a new inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI) which penalises countries according to the inequality of their development.

The Economist

Shy in person, though vehement on the page, he could fairly describe himself as simultaneously a left-wing socialist, an anti-communist and a Tory anarchist.The puzzle is compounded by the variety and unevenness of Orwell's writing.

The Economist

And although Africa as a whole has low levels of mobile-phone use, in six countries (Botswana, Gabon, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Sierra Leone and South Africa) more than 30% of the population uses them.The question is how much this unevenness matters.

The Economist

That will increase the ratio to around 20%, maybe more.Then there are concerns about the unevenness of economic recovery in the currency block.

The Economist

This clearly had to entail some lowering of standards.In a forthcoming survey of higher education in ten rich countries, the OECD reports that the growth in demand has caused deteriorating staff-student ratios, overcrowding, and great unevenness in the quality of teaching and learning.

The Economist

Tony Sewell, a London education campaigner who oversaw the mayor's inquiry report, criticises "unevenness" in the system.

The Economist

The new supervisor is likely to be charged with levelling all unevenness in the quest to ensure that the banks it supervises are safe.

The Economist

Adjustments for the unevenness in the distribution of wealth, health and education among a country's people reduce countries' HDI score by 22% on average.In this section Overview Output, prices and jobs The Economist poll of forecasters, November averages The Economist commodity-price index Trade, exchange rates, budget balances and interest rates Markets Human Development Index Reprints.

The Economist

In western Europe there is a sharp variation or unevenness, as between north and south, in the tempo of development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Again applying the chosen criteria, familiar patterns are recognizable: unevenness, as compared with the United States; belatedness in Argentina the cuento infantil is hardly detectable before 1900; and especially an unbalanced polarity, with didacticism decidedly the stronger magnet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like economic recovery or progress, use "unevenness" to highlight disparities and localized variations rather than presenting a uniformly positive picture.

Common error

Avoid using "unevenness" when simpler terms like "rough", "bumpy", or "irregular" would suffice for describing physical surfaces. "Unevenness" is more appropriate for nuanced or abstract contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unevenness" is that of a noun. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting the state or quality of being not level or uniform. Ludwig provides examples showcasing this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unevenness" functions as a noun denoting a lack of uniformity or levelness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English, typically referring to a lack of uniformity or balance. It is frequently found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, signalling a neutral to formal register. Related terms include "irregularity" and "inconsistency". When writing, use "unevenness" to describe nuanced disparities rather than overusing it in simple physical descriptions. Its frequent usage across diverse sources confirms its relevance in describing a wide range of conditions and situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irregularity

A general term for deviations from what is expected or uniform.

lack of uniformity

Emphasizes the absence of consistent characteristics or qualities.

state of imbalance

Highlights the lack of equilibrium or proportion.

surface irregularity

Specifically refers to inconsistencies in a physical surface.

inconsistent quality

Refers to variations in the standard or grade of something.

disparate distribution

Focuses on the unequal spread or allocation of something.

patchy distribution

Describes an irregular or scattered pattern of occurrence.

variable consistency

Indicates changes in the level of sameness or reliability.

rough texture

Describes a coarse or bumpy feel, emphasizing tactile unevenness.

fluctuating pattern

Highlights changes and variations in a design or arrangement.

FAQs

How to use "unevenness" in a sentence?

"Unevenness" is a noun that refers to the quality of not being level or uniform. For instance, "The "unevenness of the road" made the journey bumpy", or "The "unevenness in economic growth" concerned policymakers".

What can I say instead of "unevenness"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "irregularity", "inconsistency", "disparity", or "imbalance".

Which is correct, "unevenness" or "unevenity"?

"Unevenness" is the standard and widely accepted term. "Unevenity" is a rare and less common word that may not be recognized by all readers.

What's the difference between "unevenness" and "roughness"?

"Unevenness" generally describes a lack of uniformity or levelness, while "roughness" refers specifically to a coarse or irregular surface texture. "Roughness" is primarily tactile, whereas "unevenness" can apply to more abstract concepts.