equality

noun

equal·​i·​ty i-ˈkwä-lə-tē 

plural equalities

1

: the quality or state of being equal

2

: equation sense 2a

Synonyms of equality

• equivalence
• equivalency

Examples of equality in a Sentence

the ideals of liberty and equality

it's absurd to suggest that there's an equality in the evil committed by the Nazis and the crimes of the government of that Asian country

Recent Examples on the Web

Stanton’s disdain for immigrants led her into emergent realms of pseudoscience that would transform into eugenics; her rhetoric about women strayed from the principle of gender equality into essentialist ideas about women’s feminine specialness. —Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026

In reality, these online communities often promote harmful attitudes and ideologies, which position feminism—that is, the pursuit of gender equality—as a direct threat to men’s sociopolitical status and well-being. —Lucy Morgan, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2026

Testimonials from satisfied patients boast of improved post-op job opportunities and love lives, the idea being that erasing one’s race is a shortcut to equality — as long as the default complexion is white. —Jen Yamato, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026

Safety and equality mean everything to me, especially when in India. —Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for equality

• causality
• frivolity
• sodality
• inequality
• jollity
• polity
• quality

Kids Definition

equality

noun

equal·​i·​ty i-ˈkwäl-ət-ē 

plural equalities

: the quality, fact, or state of being equal

Legal Definition

equality

noun

equal·​i·​ty

: the quality or state of being equal: as

a

: sameness or equivalence in number, quantity, or measure

b

: likeness or sameness in quality, power, status, or degree