inequity

noun

in·​eq·​ui·​ty (ˌ)i-ˈne-kwə-tē 

1

: injustice, unfairness

social/racial/educational inequity

… rebellion against flagrant inequity in the labor market …

—Robert Lekachman

2

: an instance of injustice or unfairness

wage inequities

Synonyms of inequity

• injustice

Examples of inequity in a Sentence

the inequities in wages paid to men and women

the inequity of the punishment led many people to believe that the defendant was being punished for his political beliefs

Recent Examples on the Web

Co-occurring mental health concerns often drive substance use, and social determinants such as housing stability, employment, access to care, and systemic inequities strongly shape outcomes. —Gwilym Roddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026

This lack of clarity can directly impact health outcomes and exacerbate existing inequities for Black women. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 4 Mar. 2026

None of this diminishes the need to address longstanding inequities in New York City’s property tax system. —Martha E. Stark, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026

And the inequity is even worse for young families just starting out. —Joseph Gerics, Hartford Courant, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inequity

• equity

Kids Definition

inequity

noun

in·​eq·​ui·​ty (ˈ)in-ˈek-wət-ē 

plural inequities

1

: injustice sense 1, unfairness

2

: an instance of injustice or unfairness

Legal Definition

inequity

noun

in·​eq·​ui·​ty in-ˈe-kwə-tē 

plural inequities

: injustice

also : an instance of injustice