View synonyms for

inequality

[ in-i-kwol-i-tee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural inequalities.

the condition of being unequal; lack of equality; disparity:
inequality of size.
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.
disparity or relative inadequacy in natural endowments:
a startling inequality of intellect, talents, and physical stamina.
injustice; favoritism; partiality.
unevenness, as of surface.
an instance of unevenness.
variableness, as of climate.
Astronomy.
1. any component part of the departure from uniformity in astronomical phenomena, especially in orbital motion.
2. the amount of such a departure.
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.

inequality

/ ˌɪ��ɪˈ��ɒ��ɪ��ɪ /

noun

the state or quality of being unequal; disparity
an instance of disparity
lack of smoothness or regularity
social or economic disparity
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
astronomy a departure from uniform orbital motion

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Word History and Origins

Origin of inequality¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English inequalite “unevenness, disparity,” from Old French inequalite, from Latin ��Բ��- stem of ��Բ�� “irregularity, inequity, inconsistency”; in- ³, equality

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

At least when it comes to gender inequality, in particular, women’s rights.

From

Even in times of relative peace, the “Star Wars” galaxy is moldering with economic inequality, burdensome military spending and distracted leaders who are content to maintain the status quo.

From

Harvie added: "People across Scotland need real change to improve their lives in the face of a broken economic system that is entrenching inequality."

From

As the U.S. economy has pivoted to service and tech economies, income inequality has soared, leaving many Americans without college degrees struggling.

From

This structural inequality leaves many women financially unprepared for retirement despite decades of hard work.

From

Related Words

inequable inequilateral

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