iniquity

noun

in·​iq·​ui·​ty i-ˈni-kwə-tē How to pronounce iniquity (audio)
plural iniquities
1
: gross injustice : wickedness
2
: a wicked act or thing : sin

Examples of iniquity in a Sentence

the use of illegal narcotics is not only a destroyer of personal health but also an iniquity that undermines our society a nation still struggling with the aftereffects of the iniquity of slavery
Recent Examples on the Web Alberto Moravia’s most famous novel, Two Women, published in 1957, is a tale of iniquity in which no one is spared, told from the point of view of two women, a mother and daughter. Lawrence Jackson, Harper's Magazine, 10 July 2023 New limited series Black Narcissus will follow one convent’s intense struggle to maintain its sanctitude amidst a community that tests it devotion to God, carefully toeing the line between piety and iniquity. Ineye Komonibo, refinery29.com, 22 Sep. 2020 But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. Jill Gleeson, Country Living, 7 Apr. 2023 Over the course of a lively, nearly hour-long conversation last week, Ulvaeus talked about CISAC and its annual report issued early Wednesday, but mostly about songwriters, songwriting, the value of songs, and the iniquity of the decades-old payment structure. Jem Aswad, Variety, 27 Oct. 2021 Will responding to the gaffe of the day by demanding a six-step apology usher in an age of justice for all, or an end to iniquity? Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'iniquity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English iniquite, from Anglo-French iniquité, from Latin iniquitat-, iniquitas, from iniquus uneven, from in- + aequus equal

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of iniquity was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near iniquity

Cite this Entry

“Iniquity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iniquity. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

iniquity

noun
in·​iq·​ui·​ty in-ˈik-wət-ē How to pronounce iniquity (audio)
plural iniquities
1
: complete injustice or wickedness
2
: something that is unjust or wicked : sin

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