inequality

[ in-i-kwol-i-tee ]

noun

plural inequalities.

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

This structural inequality leaves many women financially unprepared for retirement despite decades of hard work.

From Salon

There are ways that technology can exacerbate existing inequalities.

From Los Angeles Times

We have problems, naturally, not the least of which is the massive wealth inequality that distorts our economy, our culture and our politics so much that we are now perilously close to full-on oligarchy.

From Salon

You are radical in your belief in inequality, but you are pragmatic in trying to push through political change within our system.

From Salon

"What are the key drivers here? The key drivers are communities who experience high levels of deprivation and inequality are the ones that experience the highest rates of drug-related deaths and drug-related harms."

From BBC

Related Words

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