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

In the nearly 50 years since Dyer’s text arrived, the field has retained its heterogeneity and developed into a complex set of constellations. —Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026

Unlike mechanical systems, ecological systems exhibit nonlinear dynamics, spatial heterogeneity, and evolutionary adaptation. —Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 27 Feb. 2026

The figures are an addition to the New York Fed’s economic heterogeneity indicators, a series of data sets intended to track variations in the economy by geographic region and demographic and income groups. —Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026

Constructing a detailed overview of the Arctic has always been difficult because of its vast size, often impossible working conditions and the heterogeneity of its landscapes. —Lara Williams, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 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

• 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