inequality

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noun in·equal·i·ty \ ˌi-ni-ˈkwä-lə-tē \

Definition of inequality

1 :the quality of being unequal or uneven: such as

a :lack of evenness

b :social disparity

c :disparity of distribution or opportunity

d :the condition of being variable :changeableness

2 :an instance of being unequal

3 :a formal statement of inequality between two quantities usually separated by a sign of inequality (such as <, >, or ≠ signifying respectively is less than, is greater than, or is not equal to)

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Examples of inequality in a Sentence

They discussed the problem of inequality between students.
He accused the company of inequality in its hiring practices.
He has proposed a new system designed to remove inequalities in health care.

Recent Examples of inequality from the Web

Unlike neutral public campaign-funding schemes, the voucher program smacks of partisan inequality.

— ethan blevins, National Review, "Should Landlords Be Forced to Subsidize Others’ Speech?," 14 July 2017
As long as there's any objectification that still happens to women or there's some sort of inequality between genders, there's always going to be a competition that's going on.

— ilana kaplan, Glamour, "Why Banks Calls the Women Who Empower Her Music 'Little Mothers'," 6 July 2017
The perception that CEOs make too much has long been a sore spot in the Wall Street versus Main Street income inequality debate.

— mike freeman, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Do these CEOs deserve their high pay packages?," 3 July 2017
In reality, feminism is simply the belief in gender inequality.

— suzannah weiss, Teen Vogue, "Demi Lovato Wears "We Should All Be Feminists" Shirt," 1 July 2017
Collectively, such data suggest the potential for growing inequality not just within the United States but also around the globe.

— brady dennis, Alaska Dispatch News, "Climate change in the U.S. could help the rich and hurt the poor," 30 June 2017
European Central Bank President Mario Draghi defended the impact of the bank’s stimulus policies on Europe’s youth Monday, arguing that keeping interest rates low had helped create jobs and reduce inequality.

— tom fairless, WSJ, "Draghi Says ECB Policy Has Helped Reduce Inequality," 26 June 2017
This tax break for the rich has contributed to the state’s growing inequality.

— david d. haynes, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Repealing Obamacare: Harder than it looks," 26 June 2017
Money is both personal and impersonal and global inequality today is linked to the formalization of money as a measure of societal well-being and sustainability.

— chapurukha kusimba, Smithsonian, "Making Cents of Currency’s Ancient Rise," 21 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inequality.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of inequality

Middle English inequalite, from Latin inaequalitat-, inaequalitas, from inaequalis unequal, from in- + aequalis equal

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First Known Use: 15th century

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INEQUALITY Defined for English Language Learners

inequality

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noun

Definition of inequality for English Language Learners

: an unfair situation in which some people have more rights or better opportunities than other people

INEQUALITY Defined for Kids

inequality

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noun in·equal·i·ty \ ˌi-ni-ˈkwä-lə-tē \

Definition of inequality for Students

plural inequalities

:the quality of being unequal or uneven :lack of equality

The laws are aimed to end educational inequality.

Learn More about inequality

See words that rhyme with inequality Spanish Central: Translation of inequality Nglish: Translation of inequality for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of inequality for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inequality

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inequality

Definition of inequality

Examples of inequality in a Sentence

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Origin and Etymology of inequality

INEQUALITY Defined for English Language Learners

inequality

Definition of inequality for English Language Learners

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inequality

Definition of inequality for Students

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