equitable

American  

[ek-wi-tuh-buhl] / ˈɛk wɪ tə bəl /

adjective

1. characterized by equity or fairness; just and right; fair.

   equitable treatment of all citizens.

   Synonyms:

   unprejudiced, unbiased, objective, impartial, dispassionate, just, fair, evenhanded

   Antonyms:

   prejudiced, biased, inequitable, unequitable, unjust, unfair

2. Law.

   1. pertaining to or valid in equity.

   2. pertaining to the system of equity, as distinguished from the common law.

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equitable British  

/ ˈɛkwɪtəbəl /

adjective

1. impartial or reasonable; fair; just

   an equitable decision

2. law relating to or valid in equity, as distinct from common law or statute law

3. law (formerly) recognized in a court of equity only, as claims, rights, etc

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Other Word Forms

• equitability
  noun
• equitableness
  noun
• equitably
  adverb
• nonequitable
  adjective
• quasi-equitable
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of equitable

First recorded in 1640–50; equit(y) + -able

Explanation

Equitable distribution means everyone gets their fair share of something.If you work on a group project in class, you want an equitable share of the credit. When you look at equitable, you might think you see the word, equal, but it doesn't mean fair in the sense of exactly the same. If you worked ten hours at a lemonade stand and your friend worked five, you'd want an equitable share of the profits rather than an equal share. Equitable would take into account the amount of work you did, equal would not.

Example Sentences

The movement emphasises quality, environmental sustainability and equitable conditions for producers.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Instead, it would be far wiser for policymakers to focus on directly strengthening the social safety net, so every patient has equitable access to treatments without financial hardship.

From Salon • May 15, 2026

Steyer didn’t flinch as he explained how he has funded ballot propositions and nonprofit initiatives to fight for a more equitable California.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Many major medical societies say mail access makes reproductive health care safer and more equitable, especially for people of limited means or who live in rural areas far from clinics.

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

Malcolm said, “You turned our dinner party upside down, Tandy. This chop is appropriate, fair, and equitable, and furthermore, for your penalty, you must execute this task while standing on your head.”

From "Confessions of a Murder Suspect" by James Patterson

Related Words

• decent
• fair
• honest
• proper
• reasonable
• stable
• unbiased