asymmetry
ay-SIM-uh-tree
/eɪˈsɪm.ə.tri/
A lack of equality, balance, or equivalence between parts, factors, or actors in a strategic setting.
Most commonly used in economics as 'information asymmetry,' where one actor holds secret or superior data.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'asymmetria', where 'a-' means 'without' and 'symmetria' means 'due proportion'. It entered scientific and mathematical usage to denote unequal proportion before economics applied it to informational imbalances.
Word relationships
- disparity: 'Disparity' emphasizes a difference in quantity or amount, whereas 'asymmetry' stresses imbalance in structure or knowledge.
- imbalance: 'Imbalance' is a broader term for lack of proportion, while 'asymmetry' often carries technical economic precision.
- symmetry: 'Symmetry' denotes perfect balance and equality between sides or participants.
Commonly confused with
- anarchy: 'Anarchy' means absence of government, while 'asymmetry' means imbalance between factors or actors.
Word family
- asymmetric (adjective): Lacking symmetry or balance.
- asymmetrically (adverb): In an asymmetric manner.
Collocations
- information asymmetry
- power asymmetry
- structural asymmetry
- glaring asymmetry
Idioms & expressions
- unequal playing field
Example sentences
- "Information asymmetry occurs when one party to a transaction possesses greater material knowledge than the other." Information Economics
- "The military drone introduced a major asymmetry into battlefield surveillance capabilities." Defense Strategy
Memory hook
A-SYMMETRY means WITHOUT (A-) SYMMETRY or equal measure. Unequal knowledge or power.
When not to use
Do not use when describing minor temporary disagreements; it refers to structural imbalance in power or knowledge.
Fun facts
- George Akerlof, Joseph Stiglitz, and Michael Spence won the 2001 Nobel Prize for analyzing markets with asymmetric information.
Explore more words
asymmetric, disparity, disproportionate, discrepancy, disparate, symmetry
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