What does lopsided mean?
Lopsided describes something that is unevenly balanced, with one side noticeably heavier, larger, or more developed than another. A table may be lopsided if its legs are of different lengths, while a pie may be lopsided if it has slipped to one side during baking. The word also has an important figurative use: a contest, debate, arrangement, or account may be called lopsided when one participant or viewpoint has a substantial advantage or when the treatment is unfairly biased. In these contexts, the term often implies that the imbalance may be unfair, not merely that the sides are different. Lopsidedly is the usual adverb form, while lopsidedness names the quality of being uneven or one-sided. The word is common in standard British and American English and is especially useful when describing noticeable imbalance in both physical objects and social or competitive situations.
adjectiveUnevenly balanced, with one side heavier, larger, or more developed than the other. Figuratively, it describes something unfairly favoring one group, option, or point of view.
- Unevenly balanced, with one side heavier, larger, or more developed than another.
- Figuratively favoring one group, side, or outcome over others.
"The debate became increasingly lopsided as the opposition struggled to match the government's resources."
"The old table stood lopsided on its uneven legs."
"The investigation was criticized as lopsided because only one witness was interviewed."
Lopsided literally means hanging to one side—and modern English still uses it for everything from crooked cakes to unfairly stacked contests.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lopsided
Lopsided is an English compound formed from lop and side. The element lop contributes the sense of hanging or drooping to one side, while side refers to the side of an object. Its modern figurative use extends the original physical idea to arrangements that favor one side over another.
Related word forms
How lopsided is actually used
The word is neutral in register and can describe literal physical imbalance or figurative unfairness. It is often stronger and more judgmental than simply uneven when applied to a contest, debate, or distribution of resources.