iniquity

American  

[ih-nik-wi-tee] / ɪˈnɪk wɪ ti /

noun

plural

iniquities

1. gross injustice or wickedness.

   Synonyms:

   knavery, depravity, infamy, evildoing

2. a violation of right or duty; wicked act; sin.

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iniquity British  

/ ɪˈnɪkwɪtɪ /

noun

1. lack of justice or righteousness; wickedness; injustice

2. a wicked act; sin

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Other Word Forms

• iniquitous adjective
• iniquitously adverb
• iniquitousness noun

Etymology

Origin of iniquity

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin inīquitās “unevenness, unfairness,” from inīqu(us) “uneven, unfair” (from in- in- ³ + -īquus, combining form of aequus “even, plain, just”; equal ) + -itās -ity

Compare meaning

How does iniquity compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• inequity vs. iniquity

Example Sentences

“This was not the den of iniquity that has been portrayed.”

From Seattle Times

Colonialism, once equated by the West with civilizing progress, became synonymous with iniquity.

From New York Times

Referring to America’s Indigenous people, he added, “I apologize in advance if iniquities or injustices are committed.”

From New York Times

But through James’ point of view, it’s just another coming-of-age tale for a young white man who finds himself tickled and intrigued by this seeming den of artistic iniquity.

From Los Angeles Times

Laurent Berger, the leader of the moderate French Democratic Confederation of Labor union, called the decision to ram through the bill “democratic iniquity.”

From New York Times