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 Recommended reading: In our new special issue, a Wall Street legend gets a radical makeover, a tale of crypto iniquity, misbehaving poultry royalty, and more. Read the stories. Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 9 Sep. 2024 In our new special issue, a Wall Street legend gets a radical makeover, a tale of crypto iniquity, misbehaving poultry royalty, and more. Margaret Franklin, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for iniquity 

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 14 Oct. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on iniquity

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