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lopsidedly

C2
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /lˈɒpsaɪdˌɪdlɪ/

US

  • /lˈɑːpsaɪdˌɪdli/

Description

Imagine a crooked smile or a tower of blocks leaning too far to one side. That is the essence of doing something "lopsidedly." This adverb describes an action done in an uneven or unbalanced way. A picture frame hanging lopsidedly on the wall is not straight; it tilts to one side. You might see a pumpkin growing lopsidedly or a child walking lopsidedly after a tumble. It often adds a sense of awkwardness or charming imperfection to what it describes.

Think of a seesaw with one person much heavier than the other; that is how something moves lopsidedly. The word suggests a clear lack of balance. In a more abstract sense, someone might say the facts were presented lopsidedly, meaning the story was told in an unfair, one-sided way.

Examples

  1. 1

    Hanging object

    The picture frame hung lopsidedly on the wall.

  2. 2

    Facial expression

    She smiled lopsidedly, as if she was trying not to laugh.

  3. 3

    Baking problem

    The cake rose lopsidedly because the oven was too hot on one side.

  4. 4

    Vote result

    The vote went lopsidedly in favor of the new plan.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • lopsidedlyadverb