heterogeneity

noun

het·​ero·​ge·​ne·​i·​ty ˌhe-tə-rō-jə-ˈnē-ə-tē 

ˌhe-trō-

: the quality or state of consisting of dissimilar or diverse elements : the quality or state of being heterogeneous

cultural heterogeneity

Synonyms

• diversity
• diverseness

Examples of heterogeneity in a Sentence

the cultural heterogeneity of its residents is a point of pride for the city

Recent Examples on the Web

These include ad inventory, cross-channel consistency, diminishing returns, seasonality, customer heterogeneity, creative impact, funnel vs. topline goals and short- vs. long-term objectives. —Aleks Farseev, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025

The third is heterogeneity: can individuals or components take on specialized, different roles? —John Werner, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025

The research team used exclosures in study vineyards to investigate the effect of birds and bats on arthropod pests affecting ecosystem functions and crop yield considering the local management schemes and contrasting landscape heterogeneity of the vineyards. —Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

Moto Moto, run by the spunky Rashida (Arica Jackson) and emceed by the exuberant Ahmed (Nick Rashad Burroughs) becomes a hotbed of heterogeneity (there’s even a shaman) in a culture that is otherwise intolerant of mixing. —Jesse Green, New York Times, 21 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin heterogeneitāt-, heterogeneitās, from heterogeneus heterogeneous + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heterogeneity

• contemporaneity
• inhomogeneity
• deity
• homogeneity
• simultaneity
• spontaneity

Medical Definition

heterogeneity

noun

het·​ero·​ge·​ne·​ity ˌhet-ə-rō-jə-ˈnē-ət-ē, ˌhe-trō- 

plural heterogeneities

: the quality or state of being heterogeneous