1530s, "unjust, unfair," from un- (1) "not" + equal (adj.). Meaning "not the same in amount, size, quality, etc." is recorded from 1560s (inequal in this sense is from late 14c.). Sense of "inadequate, insufficient" (to some task) is attested from 1690s. Related: Unequally.
权威例句
1. Her critics say she has proved unequal to the task.
批评她的人说事实证明她并不具备完成这项工作的能力。
2. The Egyptians probably measured their day in twenty-four hours of unequal length.
埃及人很有可能用不同长度的24小时来度量日子。
3. This country still had a deeply oppressive, unequal and divisive political system.
这个国家的政治体制依然残暴异常,缺少平等,四分五裂。
4. an unequal distribution of wealth
财富的分配不均
5. Unequal distribution of wealth may cause division in society.