inequality

[ in-i-kwol-i-tee ]

noun

, plural in·e·qual·i·ties.

1. the condition of being unequal; lack of equality; disparity:

   inequality of size.

2. 1. social or economic disparity: widening income inequality in America.

      inequality between rich and poor people;

      widening income inequality in America.

   2. unequal opportunity or treatment resulting from this disparity:

      inequality in healthcare and education.

3. disparity or relative inadequacy in natural endowments:

   a startling inequality of intellect, talents, and physical stamina.

4. injustice; favoritism; partiality.
5. unevenness, as of surface.
6. an instance of unevenness.
7. variableness, as of climate.
8. Astronomy.
   1. any component part of the departure from uniformity in astronomical phenomena, especially in orbital motion.
   2. the amount of such a departure.
9. Mathematics. a statement that two quantities are unequal, indicated by the symbol ≠; alternatively, by the symbol <, signifying that the quantity preceding the symbol is less than that following, or by the symbol >, signifying that the quantity preceding the symbol is greater than that following.

inequality

/ ˌɪnɪˈkwɒlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being unequal; disparity
2. an instance of disparity
3. lack of smoothness or regularity
4. social or economic disparity
5. maths
   1. a statement indicating that the value of one quantity or expression is not equal to another, as in x ≠ y
   2. a relationship between real numbers involving inequality: x may be greater than y, denoted by x > y, or less than y, denoted by x < y
6. astronomy a departure from uniform orbital motion

Word History and Origins

Origin of inequality¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English inequalite “unevenness, disparity,” from Old French inequalite, from Latin inaequālitāt- stem of inaequālitās “irregularity, inequity, inconsistency”; in- ³, equality

Example Sentences

Economic inequality has been on the rise since the 1980s.

From Salon

"Similarly, if we don't address inequality, embark on conflict, or suffer major disasters, our social foundations are diminished."

From Science Daily

The tried-and-true way to close yawning gaps in income inequality, health care access, and worker satisfaction is with labor unions.

From Salon

Its emergence coincided with several major events that have fueled a wider reckoning of South Korea’s gender inequalities in the workplace and violence against women.

From Los Angeles Times

However, tipping practices also sparked debates about fairness and inequality as employers increasingly relied on tips to supplement low wages, leaving workers dependent on unpredictable gratuities.

From Salon

Related Words

• bias
• difference
• discrimination
• disparity
• diversity
• injustice
• unfairness