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 Such skyrocketing wealth inequality could be found in nation after nation in the modern world, whether Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, or elsewhere. — Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026 The wealth tax, competing measures and sharp demographic differences on the issue — especially between younger and older voters — set up a high-stakes November fight that could reshape California’s approach to inequality. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Over the past 50 years, education financing lawsuits, aimed at eliminating inequalities in education funding, have made their way through state courts, with some important and high-profile successes. — Quinn Yeargain, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026 Los Angeles is a city of stark inequality, which makes the arrival of George Lucas‘s billion-dollar Lucas Museum of Narrative Art especially charged, as Jori Finkel writes in the Art Newspaper. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 10 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
  • The two started off as enemies as Judy joined the Zootopia Police Department, but then put aside their differences to solve a mystery in the animal city.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • There is a difference in the cases of Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri, in that the former has been far more involved in some monumental moments.
    — Kaya Kaynak, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • The huge diversity in artistic opportunity is clearly visible in the finalists for 2026’s Ocean Photographer of the Year award.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In the fall of 2025, the ranking and review site released its 2026 list of the Best Schools in America, evaluating schools based on academics, diversity, teachers and college preparation.
    — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of diversity
Noun
  • Rentals near train station stops or walking distance to major AI company offices are being bid up by rank-and-file tech workers.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Neither quarterback created distance Saturday, and two weeks remain until cutdown day.
    — Zach Berman, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of distance
Noun
  • There’s a frightening imbalance in how the mainstream media report on these candidates, which tends to take it pretty easy on the latter.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • San Jose already has one of the most challenging jobs-to-housing imbalances, and housing development not accompanied by sufficient employment growth will further strain city finances.
    — Pierluigi Oliverio, Mercury News, 14 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
  • One randomized trial comparing high-dose oral D3 with narrow-band UVB found no difference in lipid profiles but clear divergence in immune-pathway signaling.
    — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The relative line made lower lows into the middle of 2025, while the 14-month RSI made higher lows, creating a positive momentum divergence.
    — Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of divergence
Noun
  • Judges are free to ignore sentencing guidelines, which are intended to reduce disparities in punishments levied for the same crimes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Your wife must love that poem and the acknowledgment of the disparity between how men are just, like, acknowledged and applauded for just being a father out in public with their kids and the way women are just expected to be that way.
    — Terry Gross, NPR, 14 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 19 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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