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Synonyms

inequitable

American  
[in-ek-wi-tuh-buhl] / ɪnˈɛk wɪ tə bəl /

adjective

  1. not equitable; unjust or unfair.

    an inequitable decision.


inequitable British  
/ ɪnˈɛkwɪtəbəl /

adjective

  1. not equitable; unjust or unfair

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of inequitable

First recorded in 1660–17; in- 3 + equitable

Explanation

If something is inequitable, it's not not fair or just. If one math class gets a pizza party and another gets an algebra quiz, that's inequitable. The word inequitable is a fancy way to say "unfair." It adds the prefix in-, or "not," to equitable, "fair and impartial." In law, inequitable conduct has to do with lying or withholding information during the process of suing someone. In more ordinary circumstances, if your brother complains that his half of the cookie you split is smaller, you can shrug and tell him, "Sometimes life is inequitable."

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Vocabulary lists containing inequitable

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.

See Examples For:

I have considered setting a fixed total principal contribution for each grandson, but that would inevitably be inequitable due to differences in investment returns.

From MarketWatch May 28, 2026

“It risks becoming inequitable and inefficient,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal Feb. 4, 2026

It held that the lower court’s rescission was an inequitable remedy and reinstated Musk’s compensation plan.

From Barron's Jan. 14, 2026

"That is inequitable and unjust and not compatible with the National Health Service," says Dr Nicky Thorp, a practising cancer doctor and vice president for clinical oncology at the RCR.

From BBC Sep. 10, 2025

Mr. Bright had the patent evidence all around him of the misery which the inequitable adjustment of the tariff had created.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 16, No. 94, August, 1865 by Various

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