inégal
/i.ne.ɡal/
The English word 'uneven' is translated into French as inégal.
The adjective inégal is used to describe something that is not level or smooth. It is also frequently used to describe things that are unequal in terms of quantity, quality or status.
Meaning: not level or smooth (adj)
Which one should you use?
While inégal describes unevenness in a physical sense, it can also mean 'unequal'. If you are specifically referring to a lack of symmetry in a formal context, Asymétrique is the appropriate term. In informal situations, you might use Pas droit(e) to convey that something is uneven or crooked.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes based on the gender and number of the noun it describes: use the feminine form inégale, the masculine plural form inégaux and the feminine plural form inégales.
How do you pronounce it?
/i.ne.ɡal/ (3 syllables)
Did you know?
- In a mathematical context, an 'uneven' or 'odd' number is not called inégal, but is instead referred to as a nombre impair.
- In French, the word inégal is often used in a figurative sense to describe a person's performance or talent, such as an 'uneven' career, where the quality of work fluctuates over time.
- While inégal can mean 'uneven' in size or quantity, if you want to describe a physical surface that is bumpy or rough, French speakers often prefer the word irrégulier.
Examples in context
- Ce sol est inégal.This floor is uneven.This sentence shows how to use inégal to describe an uneven floor.Tatoeba #10499393 by lbdx, translation #7942317 by CK
- Les montagnes de cette chaîne sont asymétriquesThe mountains in this range are uneven
- Le tableau est accroché pas droitThe picture is hung unevenly
- Ses efforts à l'école étaient pas réguliersHis efforts at school were uneven
- Après l'incident, le mur était de traversAfter the incident, the wall was uneven
- Les étudiants ont obtenu un soutien éducatif inégal en raison de l'accès limité aux ressources.The students received uneven educational support due to limited access to resources.
- Le chemin vers le sommet était très irrégulier, rendant la randonnée difficile.The path to the summit was very uneven, making the hike challenging.
- Le terrain est très inégal.The ground is very uneven.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are inspecting a wooden table they just built.
- ChloéLe plateau semble inégal.The tabletop seems uneven.
- NathanC'est parce qu'il est vieux.It's because it is old.
- ChloéOn doit le poncer, Nathan.We must sand it, Nathan.
- NathanTu as raison, Chloé.You are right, Chloé.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry inégal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
