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

Petticrew, 28, is a “ceasefire baby,” part of a generation that grew up during a fragile peace but still grapples with social division, economic inequality and intergenerational trauma.

From Los Angeles Times

Many of the things we see in high-definition today—wars, poverty, inequality—have been edited out of a rose-tinted view of previous decades.

From Slate

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

Its dark commentary on wealth inequality touched a nerve with audiences around the globe.

From BBC

In London and Greater Manchester, where this system is active, bus fares will remain capped at £1.75 and £2 respectively after the new England-wide cap rise - and some passengers told the BBC they felt this risked widening regional inequality.

From BBC

Related Words

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