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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 Throughout the novel, outsiders suggest that hagwons might replicate preexisting social inequalities. — Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026 Educators and policymakers have also spent several decades focused on correcting historical gender inequalities that held back girls. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026 There are many factors that contribute to violence against women in Mexico, experts say, including gender inequality, pervasive sexist tropes and a high rate of impunity for killing women. — Michael Rios, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026 Even with the disparities and inequalities, Blacks and other people of color have taken advantage of opportunities in many fields — high-ranking military officials, in business and other areas. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 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
  • On a longer flight, having some additional neck support can make a significant difference.
    — Julie Rousseau, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The big difference is space, with the standard room having a footprint of 350 square feet, whereas the suite has an additional 500 square feet to spread out.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • While the Dirty Knobs’ songs vary in style, reflecting the great diversity of top 40 music when Campbell was growing up in the 1960s, the band overall has a more dense, blues-rooted feel.
    — Thom Duffy, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Other provisions of the law go further, restricting governments from allowing tax dollars to be spent promoting diversity or inclusion.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of diversity
Noun
  • Tiny creatures like crabs and ants traveled huge distances, encountering all sorts of dangers—driven by the instinct to lay eggs and reproduce at any cost.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • A week ago, the Chiefs blamed their lack of pass rush on an inability to force third-and-distance spots.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of distance
Noun
  • Woodland’s population has grown substantially, creating enrollment imbalances among district schools.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The supply-demand imbalance has led to soaring prices and a windfall for memory and storage stocks.
    — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of imbalance
Noun
  • Its strength lies in its capacity to evolve and find new ways to engage with the world around it, generation after generation, while retaining its distinctiveness.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Generally speaking, sports fans don’t bring up United States history when talking about their team’s big game, but that’s the distinctiveness of this rivalry.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 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 divergence has traders worried that, if the few stocks driving the gains start to falter, the broader market will be in trouble.
    — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The study found a similar divergence in opinions among working-class Latino voters.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of divergence
Noun
  • Voters are deeply concerned about income disparity but also skeptical about the unusual approach of the billionaire tax.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Dems are using the disparity to press Jackson on his debate reticence.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 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 30 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inequality

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inequality

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