equality

American  

[ih-kwol-i-tee] / ɪˈkwɒl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

equalities

1. the state or quality of being equal; correspondence in quantity, degree, value, rank, or ability.

   The district is implementing a college readiness plan to achieve equality of outcomes for its graduates applying to higher education programs.

   Synonyms:

   impartiality, sameness, identity, parity, equivalence

2. uniform character, as of motion or surface.

3. Mathematics.

   1. the relationship between equal quantities, as expressed in an equation.

   2. a statement that two quantities are equal; equation.

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equality British  

/ ɪˈkwɒlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state of being equal

2. maths a statement, usually an equation, indicating that quantities or expressions on either side of an equal sign are equal in value

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Other Word Forms

• proequality
  adjective
• subequality
  noun

Etymology

Origin of equality

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin aequālitāt- (stem of aequālitās ); see equal, -ity

Explanation

Equality is when things are the same (equal) in some particular way. You had to rethink your campaign for equality in the household when you realized this meant doing your own laundry and sharing the remote control. Equality means "the state of being equal." It's one of the ideals a democratic society, and so the fight to attain different kinds of equality, like racial equality, gender equality, or equality of opportunity between rich and poor, is often associated with progress toward that ideal of everyone being truly equal. Equality doesn't have to be used only for social ideals, though. There can be equality in weight between two barrels of apples, or between two molecules.

Example Sentences

Equality under the law isn’t a radical idea.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Some advocacy groups, like Access Living, Equip for Equality and Legal Aid Chicago offer free consultations and can provide insights and strategies to help you effectively communicate with your landlord.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

The EHRC's Code of Practice provides guidance for how public bodies and service providers should interpret the Equality Act 2010.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

“We’re hearing about fear and anxiety,” said Jorge Reyes Salinas, communications director for Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Sarah wrote a pamphlet titled Letters on the Equality of the Sexes, and the Condition of Woman.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

• civil rights
• coordination
• equal opportunity
• fairness
• identity
• impartiality
• parity
• tolerance