disparity
Disparity (noun) means a noticeable difference or imbalance between two things, especially one that seems unfair. Example: “There is a huge disparity in pay between the two roles.”
How to use disparity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA gap or mismatch between things that you'd expect to be more similar.
Word forms
disparities plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There is a huge _____ in pay between the two roles.
Etymology
From Middle French disparité, from Latin dispar, "unequal" — from dis- ("not") + par ("equal"), the same root found in "parity" and "par".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for disparity
See all rhymes for disparity →Frequently asked questions
What does “disparity” mean?
The word “disparity” means a noticeable difference or imbalance between two things, especially one that seems unfair. In plain terms, a gap or mismatch between things that you'd expect to be more similar.
How do you pronounce “disparity”?
“Disparity” is pronounced dihs-PA-rih-tee (/dɪsˈpæɹɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “disparity” in a sentence?
Here is “disparity” used in a sentence: “There is a huge disparity in pay between the two roles.”
What is another word for “disparity”?
Words with a similar meaning to “disparity” include unalikeness.
What part of speech is “disparity”?
“Disparity” is a noun.
Where does the word “disparity” come from?
The word “disparity” comes from Latin. From Middle French disparité, from Latin dispar, "unequal" — from dis- ("not") + par ("equal"), the same root found in "parity" and "par".
Is “disparity” a common word?
“Disparity” is an uncommon word in modern English.