disparity

[ dih-spar-i-tee ]

noun

, plural dis·par·i·ties.

1. lack of similarity or equality; inequality; difference:

   a disparity in age; disparity in rank.

disparity

/ dɪˈspærɪtɪ /

noun

1. inequality or difference, as in age, rank, wages, etc
2. dissimilarity

Usage

See discrepancy

Other Words From

• nondis·pari·ty noun plural nondisparities

Word History and Origins

Origin of disparity¹

First recorded in 1545–55; from Middle French desparite, from Late Latin disparitās; equivalent to dis- ¹ + parity ¹

Synonym Study

See difference.

Example Sentences

That disparity could be due to the difference in how “CoComelon” and “Bluey” are perceived, particularly by parents.

From Los Angeles Times

There has been a glaring disparity between medical associations’ eagerness to speak out about the Ukraine war and to advocate for protection of medical facilities and provision of humanitarian medical services, and the virtual silence regarding the complete destruction of the health care system in Gaza.

From Salon

The current form of winner-take-all late-stage vulture capitalism has led to unprecedented wealth concentration and income disparity.

From Salon

"It would create a gross disparity for Ms. Avery to spend even a day in jail when the man who played a pivotal role in organizing and instigating the events of January 6 will now never face consequences for his role in it," the motion read.

From Salon

In 2024, though, Republicans have been strongly encouraging their supporters to vote early, a campaign that has closed the disparity between parties: In the last presidential election, less than a quarter of mail-in votes came from Republicans, compared to roughly a third today.

From Salon

Related Words

• difference
• discrepancy
• distinction
• divergence
• gap
• imbalance
• inequality
• variation