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 Spain, like many other countries, is suffering from serious problems including housing shortages, inflation, economic inequality, low wages, and a lack of opportunities for young people. — Juan Claudio Matossian, Vanity Fair, 19 July 2026 The same city celebrated as a Black Mecca has also witnessed widening inequality, rising housing costs, and the displacement of many Black residents from neighborhoods their families called home for decades. — Jeffrey Bennett, Time, 17 July 2026 The World Cup’s arrival raised questions about inequality and access to soccer in the United States, where cost can determine which children get the chance to play. — Tyler M. Carmona july 17, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026 Karp hasn’t been the only leader to sound the alarm about rising income inequality. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 July 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
  • And the difference between a new EV and a gas car is $6,680, not including any incentives.
    — Liz Knueven,Ryley Amond, CNBC, 24 July 2026
  • At first, these data would be cryptic—who besides the biggest air-pollution nerd would know the difference between 35 μg/m3 of particulate matter (yellow-level risk, per the AQI) and 60 μg/m3 (red-level risk)?
    — Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • Amazing wildlife diversity Making the Okefenokee world renowned is its diverse fauna.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • Even within the same species, unchecked inbreeding has harmed genetic diversity and overall health, experts say.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Definition of diversity
Noun
  • Within a short distance from Kansas City lies an abundance of ways to experience nature at Missouri state parks.
    — Zuri Primos July 26, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • Richmond, Virginia Virginia’s mountains, beaches, and rivers bat well above average in the natural beauty department, and Richmond puts you within driving distance of all of it.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2026
Definition of distance
Noun
  • Ma said the central bank has also responded pre-emptively to inflation and financial imbalances than Japan did before its bubble burst.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 24 July 2026
  • The study found that women remain underrepresented across exhibitions and the market, with the most prestigious institutions often showing the greatest imbalance.
    — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of imbalance
Noun
  • In a portfolio of consumer brands, each brand's value lies substantially in its distinctiveness.
    — Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Ultimately, though, distinctiveness is an asset for an action star.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 15 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
  • If entry-level consultants, lawyers, and financial analysts were being systematically substituted out at the pace Amodei described to 60 Minutes in November 2025, McCrory’s occupation-level unemployment data should already show some divergence.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 July 2026
  • At divergence points, other autonomous vehicles complete their journey.
    — Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of divergence
Noun
  • But according to Twain, Langley’s success also underscores the gender disparity in country music.
    — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026
  • In an executive order last year, the White House directed the Education Department to issue new school discipline guidance, and called for a review of organizations that had promoted policies to address disparities in discipline.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 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 31 Jul. 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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