uniformity
gb/jˌunəfˈɔɹməti/ us/jˌunəfˈɔɹməti/
B2
English
~ 9900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
B2
state
1
state of being the same throughout
A situation where things are the same and do not change in form, quality, or way of doing something.
Usage pattern:
uniformity of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "uniformity" with "uniform" (the clothing). "Uniformity" is usually uncountable and refers to a general state, so we normally say "there is uniformity" or "a high level of uniformity", not "a uniformity" in most contexts. It is also sometimes confused with "unanimity", which refers specifically to everyone having the same opinion or decision, while "uniformity" can refer to appearance, behavior, quality, or method.
Synonyms
consistency (Emphasizes things staying the same over time or in different situations; slightly more general and common.)
|
standardization (Suggests making things follow the same official rules or standards, often in technical or business contexts.)
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sameness (More plain and everyday; can sound a bit negative or emotional, while 'uniformity' sounds more formal and neutral.)
Antonyms
diversity (Focuses on having many different types or forms instead of everything being the same.)
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variation (Highlights differences or changes among things, the opposite of things all being alike.)
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irregularity (Stresses not following a fixed pattern or rule, especially where regular sameness is expected.)
Collocations
uniformity of standards
|uniformity of procedure
|complete uniformity
|lack of uniformity
|degree of uniformity
|ensure uniformity
Themes
science
|business
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The new regulations aim to create greater uniformity of safety standards across all factories.
- A high level of uniformity in testing conditions is essential for reliable scientific results.
- The company introduced a dress code to promote uniformity of appearance among employees.
- Teachers complained that strict national tests were forcing too much uniformity in classroom teaching.
- Engineers monitor the uniformity of temperature throughout the building during the winter.
Learner examples
- The school wants uniformity in how teachers grade exams.
- Scientists need uniformity in the way they collect data.
- We try to keep a uniformity of style in all our products.
- There is no uniformity of rules between the two cities.
- The manager checks the uniformity of the finished parts.
Noun
formal
C1
state
2
boring sameness or lack of variety
A kind of sameness that feels boring because there is not enough difference or change.
Usage pattern:
dreary uniformity of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that "uniformity" can carry a negative emotional tone in this sense. In phrases like "dreary uniformity" or "oppressive uniformity", it does not just mean "all the same"; it means the sameness is unpleasant or boring. In such cases, "monotony" is often a more natural synonym than "consistency".
Synonyms
monotony (Very close in meaning; more common in everyday use for boring, repeated sameness.)
|
sameness (Plain word for lack of variety; can sound less formal and less strongly negative than "dreary uniformity".)
Antonyms
variety (Highlights a range of different things, which removes the feeling of boredom from sameness.)
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individuality (Opposes a dull sameness by focusing on what makes each person or thing special and different.)
Collocations
dreary uniformity
|mind-numbing uniformity
|gray uniformity
|oppressive uniformity
|escape the uniformity
|break the uniformity
Themes
emotions
|art
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She longed to escape the gray uniformity of suburban life.
- Critics complained about the depressing uniformity of the new apartment blocks.
- The festival was created to break the cultural uniformity of the town.
- Some students feel trapped by the strict uniformity of school routines.
- The artist rejected the uniformity of mass-produced design in favor of unique, handmade pieces.
Learner examples
- He hates the uniformity of his daily routine.
- The uniformity of the houses makes the street look boring.
- The city wants more color to end the uniformity of the buildings.
- She moved to the city to escape the uniformity of village life.
- They added music and art to break the uniformity of the program.
Grammar
Dictionary form
uniformity
IPA
GB/jˌunəfˈɔɹməti/
US/jˌunəfˈɔɹməti/
Syllables & stress
uni - form - ity (3 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (ity)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: uniformity
- Plural: uniformities, uniformity
Word family
Forms
uniformities
noun
Core family
uniform
adjective A2
uniformly
adverb
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
non-uniform
adjective
non-uniformity
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.