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 of heterogeneity

• 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

Because of that heterogeneity, TNBC can be somewhat trickier to treat effectively—there is [variability] in their response to our best treatments. — Maggie Donahue, HEALTH, 20 Aug. 2026

The heterogeneity allows founders to pick an accelerator that best matches their needs. — Charlotte Hu, Time, 18 Aug. 2026

Magnets for internal migrants and gateways for immigrants, such places tend toward heterogeneity, with spaces for marginalized communities—a pattern that is not just a characteristic of the modern era. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 17 Aug. 2026

This core model capability makes management of vast heterogeneity much easier. — John Sviokla, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

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

• homogeneity
• simultaneity
• contemporaneity
• inhomogeneity
• deity
• 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