disparity
Americannoun
noun
-
inequality or difference, as in age, rank, wages, etc
-
dissimilarity
Related Words
See difference.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of disparity
First recorded in 1545–55; from Middle French desparite, from Late Latin disparitās; equivalent to dis- 1 + parity 1
Explanation
If there is a disparity between how great you think you are at tennis and how you actually play, you are probably surprised by how often you lose. Disparity is the condition of being unequal, and a disparity is a noticeable difference. Disparity usually refers to a difference that is unfair: economic disparities exist among ethnic groups, there is a disparity between what men and women earn in the same job. This noun derives from Latin dispar "unequal." The opposite of disparity is parity, the condition of being equal or the same.
Vocabulary lists containing disparity
Grade 9, List 5
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "D"
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This Week in Words: September 29 - October 5, 2018
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness and Growth’s 30-minute film “Grit & Grace” debuts on Dec. 13 at the National Archives.
From Washington Times • Dec. 2, 2022
Acemoglu testified in November before the House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth at a hearing on technological innovation, automation and the future of work.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 13, 2022
Instead, said Disparity, such people would be better off learning more and practising more "acceptable morals".
From BBC • Feb. 16, 2016
A version of this article appears in print on April 9, 2014, on page A13 of the with the headline: Speaking at Rights Event, Carter Deplores Disparity.
From New York Times • Apr. 9, 2014
Disparity of rank is ever productive of unhappiness in the married state.
From Jack Sheppard A Romance by Ainsworth, William Harrison
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
