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

Expanding insurance coverage for elective egg freezing, as New York state is exploring, as opposed to relying on employer subsidies which perpetuate inequities and the administrative burden on self-paying patients, is a critical step. — Pooja Yerramilli, STAT, 28 Oct. 2026

The tale is not just about an individual tragedy but one that exposes inequities involving the mistreatment of juveniles and the corrupting influence of power. — Marcus Librizzi, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026

What began with peaceful protests by high school students demanding better conditions at schools has morphed into roiling protests nationwide denouncing rising living costs and inequities in French society. — Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Researchers point to a range of factors behind literacy challenges, from educational inequities and learning disruptions to differences in access to resources. — Corynn Winston, CNBC, 14 Oct. 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