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

As part of a broader restructuring and budgeting initiative, the VA renounced its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, resulting in $6.1 million in cost savings for employees and training resources. —Cristina Johnson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025

Many describe an underlying sense of fear for what may come next, especially as LGBTQ non-profits and institutions are at risk of losing funding, both from the government and from corporations who have walked back diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025

The Trump administration’s attacks on historic policies fostering diversity, equity and inclusion have many people on edge. —Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2025

Your work with Mission 44 and other efforts has had significant impact in the U.K. on the cultural conversation around diversity, equity and inclusion concerns. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 12 June 2025

Trump has instituted a nationwide pullback of efforts to acknowledge or promote, diversity, equity and inclusion, which includes the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 12 June 2025

One reason for the blackout was that companies were perceived to be rolling back on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives (DEI), following President Donald Trump's opposition to the initiatives. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025

Meanwhile, references to diversity, equity and inclusion in Fortune 100 company reports dropped 72% between 2024 and 2025, according to an analysis by Gravity Research. —Josie Cox, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

The governor pointed to Trump’s moves since taking office in January to threaten funding for universities with diversity, equity and inclusion offices or policies, target law firms, delegitimize news organizations and call for the governor’s arrest. —Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 11 June 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