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.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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
  • Yes, even these guys are obviously mature for their ages, there’s a pretty significant difference just in terms of frame, body weight.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • But Scheft and his team are mastering the subtle differences and plan to offer many of the same loaves available in Boston, though the bakeries will have a few different offerings.
    — Connie Ogle July 17, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • These icons—including symbols associated with hygiene, nature, science, sustainability, food, and culture—are arranged to form a large letter U, echoing the original corporate logo while also reflecting the company’s commitment to diversity.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026
  • That journey introduced me to a country of extraordinary cultural diversity, powerful traditions, and deeply rooted histories that remain largely unknown to the world.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 July 2026
Definition of diversity
Noun
  • Spain had finally made the breakthrough in the final and glory was within touching distance.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • The distance the jet traveled during the tournament, excluding the journey to Qatar and back for the funeral, according to the AP analysis.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
Definition of distance
Noun
  • Testosterone is vital for both male and female health, influencing various bodily functions; imbalances can lead to significant issues, including conditions like PMOS in women.
    — Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • But the 58-year-old has just warned that the wealth imbalance generated by AI is only going to get worse.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 July 2026
Definition of imbalance
Noun
  • Build an environment where belonging and distinctiveness can coexist.
    — Zaharia-Gabriel Sidere, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Cheuk urged directors to lean into their creative distinctiveness.
    — Jenny S. Li, Variety, 15 June 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
  • The bullish divergence from 2021-2023 predating the trend change.
    — Jay Woods, CNBC, 16 July 2026
  • There is a reason the divergence persists rather than resolving.
    — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of divergence
Noun
  • The property tax has long been Connecticut’s Gordian knot, a seemingly intractable problem that overburdens middle- and low-income households, stymies business growth and creates great K-12 education disparities between cities and suburbs.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 17 July 2026
  • Americans experience the consequences through rising costs, uneven public services and widening regional disparities.
    — John Eger, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
Definition of disparity

Browse Nearby Words

ineptness
inequality
inequitable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inequality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inequality. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on inequality

Nglish: Translation of inequality for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inequality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of stalwart

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
thumbnail graphic with text word of the day quiz
Weekly "Word of the Day" Quiz See how well you know each Word of the Day for Ju...
See All