How to Sign "Uneven"

Start with both hands in flat 'B' handshapes in front of your chest, palms facing down and fingers pointing forward. Move both hands forward and slightly outward while moving them up and down in an alternating, wavy motion. This gesture visually represents a surface that is bumpy or not level.

Examples Using "Uneven" in a Sentence

1

The road is very uneven.

Sign 'road', then use the sign for 'uneven' to describe its bumpy surface. You can make the up-and-down movements larger to emphasize how bad the road is.

2

Be careful, the floor is uneven here.

Sign 'careful' and 'floor', followed by the sign for 'uneven' to warn someone about the ground they are walking on.

3

The table legs are uneven.

Sign 'table' and point downward to indicate the legs, then sign 'uneven' to explain why the table is wobbling.

How to Sign "Uneven"
Start with both hands in flat 'B' handshapes in front of your chest, palms facing down and fingers pointing forward. Move both hands forward and slightly outward while moving them up and down in an alternating, wavy motion. This gesture visually represents a surface that is bumpy or not level.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic. Your flat hands represent a physical surface, and the alternating, bumpy movement directly mimics the physical appearance of ground or an object that is rough, bumpy, and not level.
Signing Tips
Keep your wrists relaxed so the up-and-down motion looks natural and fluid. The movement should clearly contrast with the smooth, straight motion you would use for the sign 'flat' or 'level'.
Common Mistakes
Making the movement too rigid or moving both hands up and down at the exact same time. The hands should alternate slightly or move independently to truly emphasize the irregularity of the surface.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Uneven" in a Sentence
1

The road is very uneven.

Sign 'road', then use the sign for 'uneven' to describe its bumpy surface. You can make the up-and-down movements larger to emphasize how bad the road is.

2

Be careful, the floor is uneven here.

Sign 'careful' and 'floor', followed by the sign for 'uneven' to warn someone about the ground they are walking on.

3

The table legs are uneven.

Sign 'table' and point downward to indicate the legs, then sign 'uneven' to explain why the table is wobbling.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for an 'uneven' competition or a tied score?

No, this specific sign is used for physical surfaces that are bumpy or not level. For an unfair competition or unequal numbers, you would use signs like 'not equal' or 'unfair'.

How is this different from the sign for 'rough'?

The signs are very similar and often overlap in meaning. 'Rough' might use a slightly more jagged or tense movement, while 'uneven' focuses on the lack of a flat plane, but they are visually related.

Should I use a specific facial expression with this sign?

It helps to match your facial expression to the degree of unevenness. If a road is terribly bumpy and hard to drive on, you might furrow your eyebrows or purse your lips to show the intensity.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!