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

Advocates for clemency have likewise urged Newsom to act, citing inequities and the risk of wrongful convictions. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Researchers point to a range of factors behind literacy challenges, from educational inequities and learning disruptions to differences in access to resources. — Corynn Winston, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

The odds are not in her favor, owing as much to the industry’s profound systemic inequities as to Misty’s own penchant for self-sabotage. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

This inequity not only impacts women psychologically, but physically. — Georgia Casey, Allure, 9 Oct. 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