asymmetry
Definitions
A lack of symmetry or balance between two sides or parties
不对称，不均衡
Root Breakdown
Root-deriveda- (Greek 'not/without') + symmetry ('same measure') = 'not the same measure.' The two sides no longer correspond. Beyond design, it names key concepts: information asymmetry (one side knows more), asymmetric warfare (mismatched forces).
Root metr still carries 13 more wordsWhy It Means This
Built by negating symmetry with the Greek prefix a- (as in atypical, amoral). While 'asymmetry' can simply mean physical lopsidedness, its most powerful modern uses are abstract: in economics 'information asymmetry' explains market failures, and in strategy 'asymmetry' describes a deliberate imbalance one side exploits.
Common Collocations
- 1.information asymmetry信息不对称
- 2.power asymmetry权力不对称
- 3.asymmetry between…之间的不对称
- 4.slight asymmetry轻微的不对称
Example Sentences
- 1.
There is a clear asymmetry of power between the two companies.
- 2.
Information asymmetry lets the seller charge more than the item is worth.
- 3.
The slight asymmetry of her smile made her face memorable.