1.
uneven, irregular, mismatched, not uniform
Describes things that lack uniformity in size, shape, quality, or alignment. Can refer to physical objects that do not match, or figuratively to a group of people with varied abilities or backgrounds.
不揃いな野菜を安く売っている。
They are selling irregularly shaped vegetables cheaply.
歯並びが不揃いで気にしている。
I am self-conscious about my uneven teeth.
大きさが不揃いだが、味は変わらないので問題ない。
The sizes are irregular, but the taste is the same so there is no problem.
USAGE: 不揃い describes a lack of uniformity. It is frequently used for produce, teeth, hair, handwriting, and other things expected to be even or matched.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 大きさが不揃い (irregular in size)
- 不揃いな野菜 (irregularly shaped vegetables)
- 歯並びが不揃い (uneven teeth)
- 不揃いの林檎たち ("Imperfect Apples" — a famous 1983 TV drama title)
CULTURAL NOTE: 不揃い野菜 (irregularly shaped produce) has become a positive concept in recent years, as consumers embrace imperfect vegetables to reduce food waste.