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

Explanation

When there's an inequality, something is out of balance and things are not equal. An inequality occurs in math when the two quantities are not the same measure or amount. In society, an inequality occurs when rights and privileges are not applied fairly. The civil rights movement in the 1950s and 60s, for example, arose because of inequalities between the races. Blacks in the South could not sit in the front of the bus, drink from the same water fountains as whites, or even attend the same schools. People protested this inequality in many ways, including bus strikes, sit-ins, and marches.

Example Sentences

The persistent social inequality in the continent is a topic the pope is expected to address during his trip.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Joseph Stiglitz: I was worried that it would lead to an increase in inequality.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Compared to topics like public health or economic inequality, these regional climate differences have not been studied in as much detail.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

UConn coach Geno Auriemma said on Thursday that he thought the NCAA’s switch to the two-regional format was more of an inequality issue than anything provided during the 2020 tournament.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

“Does inequality have to mean indignity?” she asked.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

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