equality
Americannoun
plural
equalities-
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
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uniform character, as of motion or surface.
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Mathematics.
-
the relationship between equal quantities, as expressed in an equation.
-
a statement that two quantities are equal; equation.
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noun
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the state of being equal
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maths a statement, usually an equation, indicating that quantities or expressions on either side of an equal sign are equal in value
Other Word Forms
- proequality adjective
- subequality noun
Etymology
Origin of equality
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin aequālitāt- (stem of aequālitās ); equal, -ity
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.
We often demand equity when it comes to the distribution of resources yet resist equality when it comes to moral responsibility and character.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026
“Now, Rob and Michelle Reiner became the driving force in the landmark decision for marriage equality across the United States.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026
"Criminalising same-sex conduct and arresting people for their sexual orientation violates multiple internationally protected rights, including equality and non-discrimination."
From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026
We’ve seen the advent of marriage equality, the #MeToo movement, the Black Lives Matter movement—there’s just been a lot of change afoot, and we’re seeing a real backlash to that.
From Slate • Mar. 10, 2026
I mean, I can even try to define is if I want, because equality isn’t really working in the present tense, is it?
From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King
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.
