equality

noun

equal·​i·​ty i-ˈkwä-lə-tē 

plural equalities

1

: the quality or state of being equal

2

: equation sense 2a

Synonyms of equality

• equivalence
• equivalency

Examples of equality in a Sentence

the ideals of liberty and equality

it's absurd to suggest that there's an equality in the evil committed by the Nazis and the crimes of the government of that Asian country

Recent Examples on the Web

The threat is felt so acutely that fascists are led to take joy in cruelty against those outside this group, and others who stand to benefit from greater equality. —Literary Hub, 30 Jan. 2026

By fighting for fairness and equality, while simultaneously asking us to care for others with compassion and empathy (sharing this with our frenemies and nemeses will be hard, but valuable in teaching them to be kind). —Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 30 Jan. 2026

Women gained greater economic independence and legal equality, transforming from a workforce largely confined to traditional roles into one participating across all sectors of the economy. —Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

My neighbor friends, Scott and Dwayne, contribute regularly to the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest civil rights organization, working to achieve LGBTQ equality and influencing legislation on the federal, state and local level. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for equality

• causality
• frivolity
• sodality
• inequality
• jollity
• polity
• quality

Kids Definition

equality

noun

equal·​i·​ty i-ˈkwäl-ət-ē 

plural equalities

: the quality, fact, or state of being equal

Legal Definition

equality

noun

equal·​i·​ty

: the quality or state of being equal: as

a

: sameness or equivalence in number, quantity, or measure

b

: likeness or sameness in quality, power, status, or degree