# `<>` Not Equal


```syntax
x<>y    <>[x;y]
```

This atomic binary operator returns `1b` where (items of) `x` are less than `y`.
```q
q)(3;"a")<>(2 3 4;"abc")
101b
011b
```

---
 
[Equal `=`](equal.md)


 
[Comparison](../basics/comparison.md)


 
_Q for Mortals_: [§4.3.1 Equality = and Inequality <>](/q4m3/4_Operators/#431-equality-and-disequality)