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

Citizens are demanding to be heard over issues such as immigration reform, gun violence, human rights, voting inequities and economic equality. —Leslie Hoyle Guerra, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026

But some city-by-city data – about income and insurance – suggest that the same inequities shaping lifespans around the country also exist in Orange County. —Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026

And in the United States, when routine becomes optional, inequity becomes inevitable. —Uché Blackstock, Time, 8 Jan. 2026

Couples must address underlying communication issues and inequities; without that, delegating tasks alone won’t strengthen relationships. —Tracee M. Herbaugh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 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