inequity

noun

in·​eq·​ui·​ty (ˌ)i-ˈne-kwə-tē 

1

: injustice, unfairness

2

: an instance of injustice or unfairness

Synonyms

• 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

Those who dismissed intersectionality saw such policies as little more than allowing the disadvantaged to commit crimes without consequences to make up for past inequities, afflicting crime victims from the same disadvantaged communities. —John Scott Lewinski, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025

Adapted from Bernard-Marie Koltès’s play ‘Black Battles with Dogs’, Denis’ riveting drama gives primacy to her actors – their dialogues expressing inner desires and articulating the broader societal inequities that prevail between those who reside on either side of the fence. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025

The latest student assignment plan sought to address inequities within JCPS' magnet system. —Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025

For Africa and the Global South, where WHO often provides the first and only line of defense, this translates directly into more deaths, more suffering and wider inequity. —Stan Chu Ilo, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025

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