iniquity

noun

in·​iq·​ui·​ty i-ˈni-kwə-tē 

plural iniquities

1

: gross injustice : wickedness

2

: a wicked act or thing : sin

Synonyms

• corruption
• debauchery
• depravity
• immorality
• iniquitousness
• libertinage
• libertinism
• licentiousness
• profligacy
• sin
• vice

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

For him, gradualism was a virtue: the iniquities of the status quo had to be balanced against the risks of rapid change, which might outstrip the human capacity for adaptation. —Sebastian Mallaby, Foreign Affairs, 11 June 2019

Journey guitarist Neal Schon dishes on his backstage ritual While rock band green rooms have been known to be dens of iniquity, that's not the case for Schon, who prefers to prepare for an upcoming gig by sitting with his guitar. —Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 3 July 2024

For long periods of time, the iniquities of the Middle East can appear frozen, and, therefore, manageable. —Anand Gopal, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024

Its Los Angeles is still stalked by femme fatales and political iniquity, though the old glamour is thinning. —Zoe Hu, Washington Post, 8 Aug. 2023

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

Phrases Containing iniquity

• den of iniquity

Kids Definition

iniquity

noun

in·​iq·​ui·​ty in-ˈik-wət-ē 

plural iniquities

1

: complete injustice or wickedness

2

: something that is unjust or wicked : sin