inequality

noun

in·​equal·​i·​ty ˌi-ni-ˈkwä-lə-tē 

1

: the quality of being unequal or uneven: such as

a

: social disparity

b

: disparity of distribution or opportunity

c

: lack of evenness

d

: the condition of being variable : changeableness

2

: an instance of being unequal

3

: a formal statement of inequality between two quantities usually separated by a sign of inequality (such as <, >, or ≠ signifying respectively is less than, is greater than, or is not equal to)

Examples of inequality in a Sentence

They discussed the problem of inequality between students.

He accused the company of inequality in its hiring practices.

He has proposed a new system designed to remove inequalities in health care.

Recent Examples on the Web

This dangerous precedent should alarm anyone who believes the rule of law must serve justice rather than entrench systemic inequality. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025

The Asian population has declined in recent decades amid a staggering leap in wealth inequality, soaring rents, and the widespread impact of gentrification. —Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

Related Articles Flanking the collection, a campaign was created to raise awareness about the tie-up and highlight the power of sisterhood in addressing health inequality. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 11 June 2025

More than money: Inclusive economic growth One of the most impactful aspects of nontraditional finance is its potential to bridge financial inequality. —Liquidia, USA Today, 5 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English inequalite, from Latin inaequalitat-, inaequalitas, from inaequalis unequal, from in- + aequalis equal

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing inequality

• triangle inequality

Rhymes for inequality

• causality
• equality
• frivolity
• sodality
• jollity
• polity
• quality

Kids Definition

inequality

noun

in·​equal·​i·​ty ˌin-i-ˈkwäl-ət-ē 

plural inequalities

1

: the quality of being unequal

2

: an instance of being unequal (as an irregularity in a surface)

3

: a statement in mathematics or logic that two quantities usually separated by a special sign (as <, >, or ≠ respectively meaning "is less than," "is greater than," or "is not equal to") are not equal