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

The report by Juarez and his team found that for disabled people, the fires “deepened pre-existing disparities and introduced new pressures.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

While the declaration did not specifically mention the report's recommendation, it underlined the "imperative" to address "disparities in wealth and development both within and between countries".

Read more on Barron's

The study highlights clear disparities in where fossil fuel infrastructure is located.

Read more on Science Daily

The law allows convicted defendants to challenge the length of their prison terms if they can demonstrate racial disparities or discriminatory practices in the California jurisdiction where their case was prosecuted.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Mahmood said "disparities in performance" meant that policing in England and Wales was a "postcode lottery".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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