Lopsidedness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lopsidedness

[ˈlɒpsaɪdɪdnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in appearance

The quality or state of being lopsided; lack of balance or symmetry.

Synonyms

asymmetry, imbalance, unevenness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lopsidedness

Used when something is unevenly balanced or disproportionately weighted to one side, often visually noticeable.

  • The lopsidedness of the painting made it look unprofessional
  • The team's performance had a clear lopsidedness, with one player doing most of the work
imbalance

Implies a lack of proportion or equality, often in contexts related to physical equilibrium, social issues, or even mental states. Can have a negative connotation.

  • There was a clear imbalance in the distribution of resources
  • An imbalance in the diet can lead to health issues
asymmetry

Refers to a lack of symmetry, especially in a more mathematical, scientific, or technical context. It can be used to describe both physical objects and abstract concepts.

  • The asymmetry in the molecular structure affects its chemical properties
  • The design embraces asymmetry to create a unique visual appeal
unevenness

Describes an irregular or unlevel surface or condition, often physically noticeable. It can refer to character, quality, or performance as well.

  • The unevenness of the road made driving difficult
  • There was unevenness in the quality of the handmade pottery

Examples of usage

  • The lopsidedness of the cake made it difficult to slice evenly.
  • Her lopsided smile showed her amusement.
  • The lopsidedness of the painting gave it a unique charm.
Context #2 | Noun

in situation

An inequality in a situation or relationship.

Synonyms

disparity, disproportion, imbalance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lopsidedness

Use this word when referring to something that is uneven or tilted to one side. It is often used to describe physical objects but can also be applied metaphorically.

  • The painting was hung with a noticeable lopsidedness.
  • There was a clear lopsidedness in the team's performance on offense and defense.
disproportion

Choose this word to highlight an imbalance in terms of size, number, or degree between two or more related elements.

  • The disproportion in funding between different departments raised some eyebrows.
  • There is a disproportion between the amount of work and the reward received.
disparity

This term fits well when talking about differences or inequality between two things, especially in social, economic, or opportunity contexts.

  • The growing disparity between rich and poor is a major concern.
  • There is a significant disparity in educational opportunities across different regions.
imbalance

This term is appropriate when describing a lack of balance, often used in contexts like health, ecosystems, and financial markets.

  • Eating too much sugar can lead to an imbalance in your diet.
  • The economic imbalance between the two countries led to trade issues.

Examples of usage

  • The lopsidedness of the negotiations favored the larger company.
  • The lopsidedness of the match was evident from the beginning.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Lopsidedness can refer to asymmetric thinking, where one idea or perspective dominates over others.
  • Research shows that individuals often favor the left side visually, leading to lopsided preferences in design and art.

Art

  • In visual arts, lopsidedness is sometimes embraced for its aesthetic value, creating interest and tension in compositions.
  • Famous artists like Picasso often played with imbalance in their works to convey deeper emotional messages.

Biology

  • In nature, many organisms exhibit lopsided features, such as certain animals with asymmetrical body parts for evolutionary advantages.
  • Lopsidedness can also be indicative of health issues; for example, some medical conditions lead to uneven muscle development.

Architecture

  • Some architectural designs intentionally use lopsidedness to create a unique aesthetic, challenging traditional symmetry.
  • Structures like the Leaning Tower of Pisa exemplify lopsidedness, becoming iconic due to their unbalanced state.

Origin of 'lopsidedness'

Main points about word origin

  • The term derives from 'lopsided,' meaning uneven or tilted, with 'ness' indicating a quality or state.
  • The first recorded use of 'lopsided' dates back to the mid-19th century, signifying the concept of imbalance.

The word 'lopsidedness' originated from the combination of 'lop' meaning 'to cut off' and 'sided' meaning 'having sides'. The term has been used since the 18th century to describe something that lacks balance or symmetry, either in appearance or situation.


See also: lopsided, lopsidedly.