inequality

noun

Definition of inequalitynext
as in difference
a state or condition in which different things do not occur in equal amounts They discussed the problem of inequality between students. He accused the company of inequality in its hiring practices.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inequality But schools have never been able to overcome inequality by themselves. — Sonia Murrow, Time, 7 Aug. 2026 When feeling and reason are integrated in this way, people are better equipped to address social and political problems, including educational inequality. — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 5 Aug. 2026 His platform has goals of reducing income inequality through taxing the ultra-wealthy, transitioning to clean energy and investing in public schools. — Christina Zhang, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 Wealth inequality and other social barriers mean that access to these tools—and even the time to put healthy habits into practice—can vary quite drastically. — Currie Engel, HEALTH, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inequality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inequality
  1. difference
  2. diversity
  3. distance
  4. imbalance
  5. distinctiveness
  6. distinctness
  7. divergence
  8. disparity
Noun
  • Previous studies also have found differences between passive sedentary behaviors, such as television watching, and more mentally active ones, including solving puzzles and being mentally engaged during work.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Earlier this week, former GOP Senator Jeff Flake, of Arizona, endorsed Ossoff saying despite their policy differences, Flake applauds Ossoff's character and his commitment to doing the job.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • The Caribbean is a region almost purpose-built for cruising—closely set islands that offer immense diversity in culture and history, each with their own siren lure.
    — Scott Laird, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
  • English and Swahili are widely used in worship, alongside numerous indigenous languages, reflecting the linguistic and cultural diversity of the church’s membership.
    — Stephanie TriplettAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of diversity
Noun
  • Laurie Allen left her home in Nine Mile Falls, a community north of Spokane, last weekend, fleeing with her husband, dog and two kittens as a wildfire burned a short distance away.
    — Jamie Stengle, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Analysts say this creates a layered defensive network capable of attacking naval forces from different directions and at varying distances.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of distance
Noun
  • The surge in memory prices has led to the biggest producers of the product — SK Hynix, Samsung and Micron — seeing a massive rally in their share prices as investors bet the supply imbalance will persist for some time.
    — Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The city’s 3-to-1 imbalance of jobs to housing is one of the biggest in the country and a lure for builders, said apartment developer Chris Tourtellotte.
    — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of imbalance
Noun
  • America is the ultimate answer to the pogrom, and to the emancipation Europe offered on the condition of relinquishing Jewish ethnic and cultural distinctiveness.
    — Rory Lancman, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • In a portfolio of consumer brands, each brand's value lies substantially in its distinctiveness.
    — Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of distinctiveness
Noun
  • How can the sense of an absolute union of all matter be reconciled with the endless multiplicity and distinctness of it?
    — Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
  • However, a few hours with Air Riders reveals the nuance and depth of its gameplay, the distinctness of this flavor of racing game and its sensory, chaotic, and strategic appeal.
    — Ryan Gaur, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2025
Definition of distinctness
Noun
  • More capacity in a misaligned organization accelerates divergence, and aligned sponsors watching an overloaded team still get a stall.
    — Leslie Ellis, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Both the moving average convergence divergence and relative strength index, known respectively as MACD and RSI, continue to trend higher.
    — Jay Woods, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of divergence
Noun
  • While Musk’s wealth, even in the face of recent losses, is extreme, dramatic disparities have become commonplace.
    — Jen Cole Wright, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Experts suggest this disparity stems from how valuations are established, including underreported surgical times in gynecology.
    — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of disparity

Browse Nearby Words

ineptness
inequality
inequitable
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Cite this Entry

“Inequality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inequality. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inequality

Nglish: Translation of inequality for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inequality

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