inequality

American  

[in-i-kwol-i-tee] / ˌɪn ɪˈkwɒl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

inequalities

1. the condition of being unequal; lack of equality; disparity.

   inequality of size.

2. 1. social or economic disparity: widening income inequality in America.

      inequality between rich and poor people;

      widening income inequality in America.

   2. unequal opportunity or treatment resulting from this disparity.

      inequality in healthcare and education.

3. disparity or relative inadequacy in natural endowments.

   a startling inequality of intellect, talents, and physical stamina.

4. injustice; favoritism; partiality.

5. unevenness, as of surface.

6. an instance of unevenness.

7. variableness, as of climate.

8. Astronomy.

   1. any component part of the departure from uniformity in astronomical phenomena, especially in orbital motion.

   2. the amount of such a departure.

9. Mathematics. a statement that two quantities are unequal, indicated by the symbol ≠; alternatively, by the symbol <, signifying that the quantity preceding the symbol is less than that following, or by the symbol >, signifying that the quantity preceding the symbol is greater than that following.

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inequality British  

/ ˌɪnɪˈkwɒlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being unequal; disparity

2. an instance of disparity

3. lack of smoothness or regularity

4. social or economic disparity

5. maths

   1. a statement indicating that the value of one quantity or expression is not equal to another, as in x ≠ y

   2. a relationship between real numbers involving inequality: x may be greater than y, denoted by x > y, or less than y, denoted by x < y

6. astronomy a departure from uniform orbital motion

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Etymology

Origin of inequality

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English inequalite “unevenness, disparity,” from Old French inequalite, from Latin inaequālitāt- stem of inaequālitās “irregularity, inequity, inconsistency”; in- ³, equality

Example Sentences

For Bank of America’s chief equity strategist, this proprietary signal smacks of “peak positioning, peak liquidity, peak inequality.”

From MarketWatch

Sanchez writes for the the Hechinger Report, which produced this story and is a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education.

From Los Angeles Times

These misconceptions relate to what it means to be in the top 50%, the growth in income and earnings over time, and inequality in the distribution of income.

From MarketWatch

“Severe levels of inequality do threaten our democracy,” Mr. Mahan worries.

From The Wall Street Journal

Since the early 2000s, inequality has increased in the United States, while it has stabilized or declined in most European countries.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• bias
• difference
• discrimination
• disparity
• diversity
• injustice
• unfairness