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

Why Exclusion Leaves Value On The Table Too often, business leaders treat inequity as a social issue adjacent to the economy. — Tynesia Boyea-Robinson, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026

As notions of justice, power and inequity begin to shade her peripheral vision, Maya is torn between speaking out and adhering to the moral compartmentalization that goes hand in hand with her family’s generational success. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Her work linked gender inequity to race, poverty and violence, which played a role in establishing a framework for modern feminism, some feminist experts say. — Megan Sauer, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026

This year’s California county voter information guides will once again display a serious inequity. — Marc Joffe, Oc Register, 30 Aug. 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