diversity, equity and inclusion

noun

variants or less commonly diversity, equity, and inclusion

1

: a set of values and related policies and practices focused on establishing a group culture of equitable and inclusive treatment and on attracting and retaining a diverse group of participants, including people who have historically been excluded or discriminated against

Through our continued focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, we are increasing the number of female attorneys, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community in the leadership pipeline.

—Phillip G. Hampton, II, quoted in The Madison-St. Clair (Illinois) Record

… we strongly believe in diversity, equity, and inclusion and take many steps toward promoting this through mentoring, internship programs and ensuring equity in pay and opportunity …

—Jonathan Garcia, quoted in The San Antonio (Texas) Business Journal

This means we practice diversity, equity and inclusion in all we do. It includes investing in our people and creating a culture of care.

—Lisa Toppin

—often used before another noun

Virtually every university, government agency and major corporation has embraced some type of diversity, equity and inclusion policies … to ostensibly promote a more open, equitable and, well, inclusive workplace.

—Orange County (California) Register

The legal battle comes amid a string of attacks against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in corporate America, schools and higher education in recent months.

—Niquel Terry Ellis

—abbreviation DEI

2

: the state of having a diverse group of participants as well as policies and norms that are equitable and inclusive

Whether within a company or in the community, achieving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a journey and a job that is far from done.

—David M. Velazquez and Laron Evans

—abbreviation DEI

Examples of diversity, equity and inclusion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Federal workforce reductions and rollbacks of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have only intensified these trends, highlighting systemic barriers that disproportionately affect Black women in the labor market. —Essence, 10 Oct. 2025

The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce is updating its diversity, equity and inclusion program. —Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 10 Oct. 2025

The compact comes after Trump has previously threatened to withhold federal funding on sues such as pro-Palestinian protests against Israel's war in Gaza, transgender policies, climate initiatives and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025

Robby Starbuck, known for criticizing diversity, equity and inclusion policies, reposted Musk's demand to cancel Netflix. —Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025

Now, Black Entertainment Television existed long before diversity, equity and inclusion became, or inspired, all the rage. —Rodney Carmichael, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025

Target and other companies have taken heat for recently pulling back on their diversity, equity and inclusion programs and goals. —David Moin, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025

Citing one of the institution’s curators, the New York Times has since reported that the decision was a direct response to Trump’s January executive order targeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. —Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025

The Supreme Court in August ruled to allow the administration to cut $783 million in NIH funding linked to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. —Joseph Choi, The Hill, 26 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

2001, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for diversity, equity and inclusion

• allusion
• collusion
• conclusion
• confusion
• contusion
• delusion
• diffusion
• effusion
• exclusion
• extrusion
• illusion
• infusion