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

The Ripple Effect on Mental Health There is a ripple effect caused by the inequity in pay. —Brook Choulet, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

These workers deserve fairness and dignity for their work, and the city has an opportunity to right an ongoing inequity in its regulations. —Husein Yatabarry, New York Daily News, 21 Dec. 2024

Emails and internal records from some of the nation’s most selective universities portray a system fraught with inequities and looser standards for applicants with rich parents. —Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024

These inequities become an issue of social justice, says Renata Simril, the President and CEO of the LA84 Foundation. —Allison Torres Burtka, Parents, 13 Dec. 2024

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