inequality

American  

[in-i-kwol-i-tee] / ˌɪn ɪˈkwɒl ɪ ti /

noun

inequalities plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• inequalities
  plural

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”; see origin at 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

See Examples For:

inequality inequalities

Lithwick: That is the power of popular constitutionalism: People make inequality concrete and urgent.

From Slate ● Jul. 27, 2026

Telecoms companies in South Africa, including those with foreign investment, are required to provide 30 percent equity to historically disadvantaged groups -- a policy created to mitigate the legacy of racial inequality left by apartheid.

From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026

Similar thinking informs today’s politicians and policymakers who want to expand the welfare state to address economic inequality.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

“I think it has broken down a marked inequality we have in Mexico,” Valasis said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 5, 2026

From her mouth issued a torrent of words, a roiling sermon on injustice, inequality, and divine retribution worthy of the Baptist preachers of her youth.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

He added that the trust was committed to reducing health inequalities for people with learning disabilities and had made significant improvements to care.

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026

Leo's predecessor Pope Francis spoke extensively on the subject, calling for AI to be regulated and warning that it could exacerbate inequalities.

From Barron's ● May 25, 2026

"Over the past year, cuts to bilateral and multilateral aid have disrupted health systems and widened inequalities," Guterres said in a video address to the assembly.

From Barron's ● May 18, 2026

"Women in Liverpool face deep inequalities but also show incredible resilience."

From BBC ● May 11, 2026

All three Brecht-Weill pieces address the social inequalities of the day head-on, in a deliberately non-arty, low-budget way.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

Related Words

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