asymmetry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “asymmetry” mean?
A lack or absence of symmetry.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A lack or absence of symmetry; where two sides or parts are not equal or identical in size, shape, or arrangement.
Any imbalance, disproportion, or inequality in a system, relationship, structure, or distribution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Neutral in both, though often carries a negative or problematic connotation when describing social or power imbalances.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in academic and technical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “asymmetry” in a Sentence
asymmetry in [noun]asymmetry between [noun] and [noun]asymmetry of [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “asymmetry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No direct verb form. Use 'make asymmetric' or 'create an asymmetry in'.]
American English
- [No direct verb form. Use 'make asymmetric' or 'create an asymmetry in'.]
adverb
British English
- The trees were arranged asymmetrically around the pond.
American English
- The data is distributed asymmetrically, skewing heavily to the right.
adjective
British English
- The plan resulted in an asymmetrical distribution of funds.
American English
- The design featured asymmetric curves that were visually striking.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to imbalances in market information, bargaining power, or resource distribution between parties.
Academic
Used in mathematics, physics, biology, economics, and social sciences to describe non-identical or disproportionate structures or relationships.
Everyday
Most commonly used to describe physical features, especially in faces or art/design.
Technical
Precise term in fields like chemistry (molecular asymmetry), neurology (brain hemisphere asymmetry), or engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “asymmetry”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “asymmetry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “asymmetry”
- Misspelling as 'assymmetry' (double 's').
- Using it as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'an asymmetry' is correct, but 'asymmetries' is also correct for multiple instances).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Asymmetry' is more formal and often describes a structural or geometrical lack of symmetry. 'Imbalance' is broader and more common for abstract relationships (e.g., work-life imbalance). They are often interchangeable in abstract contexts.
Yes, particularly in art, design, and biology. Asymmetry can be seen as dynamic, interesting, or functionally adaptive (e.g., asymmetrical crab claws).
It can be both. Uncountable: 'The sculpture is a study in asymmetry.' Countable: 'Several subtle asymmetries give her face its character.'
Misspelling it with a double 's' ('assymmetry'), likely due to interference from words like 'assistant' or 'associate'.
A lack or absence of symmetry.
Asymmetry is usually formal in register.
Asymmetry: in British English it is pronounced /eɪˈsɪm.ɪ.tri/, and in American English it is pronounced /eɪˈsɪm.ə.tri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly with 'asymmetry'. Often used in set phrases like 'an asymmetry of power/information'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A + SYMMETRY. The 'A-' prefix means 'not' or 'without'. So, it's simply 'not symmetry'.
Conceptual Metaphor
BALANCE IS FAIRNESS / IMBALANCE IS UNFAIRNESS (e.g., 'asymmetry of power' implies an unfair relationship).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'asymmetry' LEAST likely to be used?