irregolare
/ir.re.ɡoˈla.re/
The English word uneven translates to Italian as irregolare.
irregolare is used to describe something that is not level or smooth. Depending on the specific context of unevenness, other words may be more appropriate: scabro is a synonym used when meaning rough, dispari is used specifically for numbers meaning odd, sconnesso is used to describe bumpy roads or paths and disomogeneo is a more precise choice when describing an uneven distribution or a mixture that is not consistent throughout.
Meaning: not level or smooth (adj)
Which one should you use?
While irregolare can mean uneven in terms of texture or shape, it is more commonly used to mean irregular in terms of patterns, rules or frequency.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective irregolare is invariant for gender, meaning it remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. The plural form of irregolare is irregolari, which is used for both masculine and feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ir.re.ɡoˈla.re/. It has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, if you describe a person as irregolare, you are often implying they are a non-conformist or even a rule-breaker rather than just someone with an uneven surface.
- To describe a road that is uneven or bumpy, Italians use sconnesso, which literally means 'disconnected'. It implies that the stones or pavement have shifted and no longer fit together.
- The Italian word regolare shares a common ancestor with the English word 'rule'.
Examples in context
- Le strade di questa città sono molto irregolari.The streets in this city are very uneven.
- Il terreno è molto irregolare.The ground is very uneven.
- Questa superficie è irregolare al tatto.This surface is uneven to the touch.
- Il pavimento è rimasto irregolare dopo i lavori.The floor remained uneven after the work.
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are walking in a park with a worn path.
- SofiaLorenzo, fai attenzione perché il sentiero è irregolare.Lorenzo, be careful because the path is uneven.
- LorenzoHai ragione, è davvero un terreno irregolare.You are right, it is a truly uneven terrain.
- SofiaDevono sistemarlo presto per la sicurezza di tutti.They should fix it soon for everyone's safety.
- LorenzoSì, camminare qui è molto scomodo.Yes, walking here is very uncomfortable.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry irregolare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries irregolare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
