disparity

[dih-spar-i-tee]

noun

plural

disparities 

1. lack of similarity or equality; inequality; difference.

   a disparity in age; disparity in rank.

disparity

/ dɪˈspærɪtɪ /

noun

1. inequality or difference, as in age, rank, wages, etc

2. dissimilarity

Other Word Forms

• nondisparity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disparity¹

First recorded in 1545–55; from Middle French desparite, from Late Latin disparitās; equivalent to dis- ¹ + parity ¹

Synonym Study

See difference.

Example Sentences

Documents released to the Guardian under Freedom of Information Laws admitted the tool used by the Department for Work and Pensions showed a "statistically significant outcome disparity" in a "fairness analysis".

From BBC

It reduced racial disparities and allowed more people to be found not guilty of their charges, likely because they were not being ground down into false guilty pleas by endless pretrial detention.

From Salon

Despite the disparity in their rankings, she matched American world number 18 Navarro all the way, with both players winning 89 points.

From BBC

As the Dodgers compete with the San Diego Padres for the National League West title, the Dodgers’ SportsNet LA contract exacerbates the financial disparity.

From Los Angeles Times

The disparities seen across Indian states mirror a global divide shaped by geography, income, and access to care.

From BBC

Related Words

• difference 
• discrepancy 
• distinction 
• divergence 
• gap 
• imbalance 
• inequality 
• variation