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

However, while inequalities persist, especially at the top, shining a light on those who could use some attention is essential. —Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Still, nongovernment organizations and opposition politicians believe the measures do not go far enough and are demanding that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni take further steps to combat gender inequality and reduce crime against women in the country. —Karen Gilchrist, NBC News, 4 Dec. 2024

Bryan argues his proposal, however, is designed to combat historical exclusion rather than perpetuate new inequalities. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024

The study’s findings have stirred a debate in Italy, Europe’s second-most indebted economy, at a time when policies around wealth and inequality are front and center across the region. —Byprarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 3 Dec. 2024

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

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