iniquity

[ ih-nik-wi-tee ]

noun

, plural in·iq·ui·ties.

1. gross injustice or wickedness.

   Synonyms: evildoing, knavery, depravity, infamy

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

iniquity

/ ɪˈnɪkwɪtɪ /

noun

1. lack of justice or righteousness; wickedness; injustice
2. a wicked act; sin

Derived Forms

• inˈiquitous, adjective
• inˈiquitously, adverb
• inˈiquitousness, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of iniquity¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of iniquity¹

C14: from Latin inīquitās, from inīquus unfair, from in- ¹+ aequus even, level; see equal

Example Sentences

If the documents case is the most open and shut against Trump, the Jan. 6 case is the most important in that it goes to the core of his iniquity as president.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Seattle Times

The ancient book insists on the perpetuity of “the iniquity of parents upon children and children’s children, upon the third and fourth generations.”

From Los Angeles 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