inequity

noun

in·​eq·​ui·​ty (ˌ)i-ˈne-kwə-tē 

1

: injustice, unfairness

2

: an instance of injustice or unfairness

Synonyms

• injustice
• unfairness
• unjustness

Examples of inequity in a Sentence

the inequities in wages paid to men and women

the inequity of the punishment led many people to believe that the defendant was being punished for his political beliefs

Recent Examples on the Web

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration has made much of its crusade to undo historic disinvestment and inequities across the city. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025

White Christian nationalists oppose multiculturalism, deny systemic inequities, and view DEI reforms as unnecessary or even unpatriotic. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2025

By the mid-20th century, racial inequities had sparked more conversations about visibility. —Tonya Blazio-Licorish, WWD, 31 Jan. 2025

Our nation's founding principles of liberty and justice for all compel us to confront inequities and strive for inclusion. —Paulette Granberry Russell, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

inequity

noun

in·​eq·​ui·​ty (ˈ)in-ˈek-wət-ē 

plural inequities

1

: injustice sense 1, unfairness

2

: an instance of injustice or unfairness

Legal Definition

inequity

noun

in·​eq·​ui·​ty in-ˈe-kwə-tē 

plural inequities

: injustice

also : an instance of injustice