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

That means Congress can address this longstanding inequity without reducing benefits for other veterans. — Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026

This covert communication will lead to trouble, exacerbating racial inequities even as Lord Balfour eventually, foolishly brings the war back to his own doorstep. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026

In a subsequent interview, the governor said his Catholic background and the inequities in the criminal justice system influenced his refusal to sign off on executions. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Expanding insurance coverage for elective egg freezing, as New York state is exploring, as opposed to relying on employer subsidies which perpetuate inequities and the administrative burden on self-paying patients, is a critical step. — Pooja Yerramilli, STAT, 28 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