What does nonuniform mean?
Nonuniform describes something whose parts or characteristics are not all the same. It is especially useful in scientific and technical writing, where the degree or pattern of variation matters: a nonuniform distribution does not distribute probability or values evenly, while nonuniform acceleration means acceleration is not constant. In ordinary contexts, the word can refer to any conspicuous lack of consistency, as with fabric, lighting, or the distribution of resources. It is more formal than words such as uneven or irregular and often carries an analytical implication: variation can be measured, modeled, or explained. The contrast is with uniform, meaning constant or alike throughout. Related forms include the adverb nonuniformly and the noun nonuniformity, especially in technical discussions of materials, fields, distributions, and physical processes.
adjectiveNot uniform; having properties, values, or characteristics that vary from one part, position, or time to another.
- Not uniform; having characteristics that vary from one part, position, or time to another.
- In mathematics, physics, and related technical fields, describing a quantity, distribution, medium, or process whose values or properties are not constant throughout.
"The tailor rejected the fabric because its weave was visibly nonuniform."
"The tailor rejected the fabric because its weave was visibly nonuniform."
"Gravitational lensing can cause a distant galaxy to appear nonuniform."
Add “non” to uniform and sameness gives way to variation: temperature, density, probability, or pressure need not behave the same everywhere.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nonuniform come from?
Nonuniform was formed in English by combining the productive prefix non- with the established word uniform. Uniform entered Middle English through French from Latin uniformis, a derivative of unus, meaning “one,” and forma, meaning “shape” or “form.” The English prefixed form expresses the absence of this uniformity, and its sense developed naturally into both general and specialized technical usage.
Related word forms
How nonuniform is actually used
Formal and especially common in mathematics, physics, statistics, and engineering. In technical contexts it usually indicates that a property changes systematically across space or time rather than merely describing an irregular object.
Easily confused with nonuniform
A uniform object or distribution has the same characteristics throughout, whereas a nonuniform one varies in at least some respect.