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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 The programs were launched in the 1960s to fight poverty and racial inequality. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2026 Charter schools have increased inequality and racial and socioeconomic inequality within school systems, some research shows. — Beth Lloyd, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026 For CEOs, being frequent topics of conversation on social platforms and cable news won’t help, and growing wealth inequality across the world may only exacerbate the problem. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026 However, in 2011, rising living costs and discontent over inequality prompted pay cuts for ministers after the party’s share of the popular vote fell to its lowest level of any general election. — John Liu, CNN Money, 9 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
  • That difference in speed is itself information about its path, so no interference pattern would appear.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Yes, that’s right, Grambling State’s nationally renowned band could be a difference-maker on the road.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • Scarcity of vacant land on the campus for all that housing has added to the diversity of opinion on Building 13.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The pool of journalists who took that protective journey with him reflected the very racial and gender diversity that the current president spurns today.
    — Sonya Ross For The Atlanta Journal-Contitution, AJC.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of diversity
Noun
  • His kicking has the combination of distance and accuracy required to bypass a high press and immediately turn a defensive phase into an attacking one.
    — Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The excavator stays stopped until the person or object has moved to a safe distance, with no manual intervention required.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of distance
Noun
  • Additionally, different side effects of medications, trauma, and even certain surgeries can cause hormonal imbalances that stunt hair growth.
    — Carly Cardellino Vaccaro, InStyle, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Instead, we’re presented with deviant men defined only by their fetishes, creating an uneasy imbalance that’s impossible to ignore.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of imbalance
Noun
  • The key lesson for personal branding is to embrace distinctiveness, substance, and a unique voice, rather than conforming to generic professionalism.
    — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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
  • According to Gregory Daco, EY-Parthenon chief economist, the productivity gains that explain that divergence largely predate the AI boom.
    — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026
  • This divergence dates back to a wave of oil industry nationalization pushed by the Venezuelan government in 2007.
    — , CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of divergence
Noun
  • It’s linked to maternal and infant health disparities, including preterm births, low birth weight, maternal depression, infant death and chronic illness.
    — Mona Hanna, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Don’t expect anywhere near the same talent disparity when Maryland visits Rentschler Field for a big-time Week 2 spot on Saturday.
    — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 10 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 16 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inequality

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inequality

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