noun
Common
inequality
ihn-ih-KWOL-ih-tee
Inequality (noun) means an unfair difference in wealth, opportunity, or treatment between people or groups. Example: “Many charities work to reduce inequality between rich and poor neighbourhoods.”
noun
1
An unfair difference in wealth, opportunity, or treatment between people or groups.
"Many charities work to reduce inequality between rich and poor neighbourhoods."
"The report highlighted growing income inequality across the country."
"Fighting gender inequality was central to her campaign."
2
In maths, a statement that one quantity is greater or less than another, using symbols like < or >.
"The teacher wrote an inequality on the board and asked us to find x."
"In this inequality, the symbol shows that one side is smaller."
"Students learned to solve inequalities like 2x + 3 > 7."
How to use inequality
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThings not being equal — whether that's people's incomes and chances in life, or numbers on either side of a maths symbol.
Common pairings
income inequality
social inequality
solve an inequality
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Word forms
- Plural
- inequalities
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Many charities work to reduce _____ between rich and poor neighbourhoods.
Etymology
From Old French inequalité, from Medieval Latin inaequālitās — in- ("not") + aequālis ("equal").
Synonyms
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inequity
unfairness
imbalance
disproportion
injustice
gap
difference
disparity
imparity
inequation
nonequivilence
unevenness
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for inequality
See all rhymes for inequality →Frequently asked questions
What does “inequality” mean?
The word “inequality” means an unfair difference in wealth, opportunity, or treatment between people or groups. In plain terms, things not being equal — whether that's people's incomes and chances in life, or numbers on either side of a maths symbol.
How do you pronounce “inequality”?
“Inequality” is pronounced ihn-ih-KWOL-ih-tee (/ˌɪn.ɪˈkwɑ.lɪ.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “inequality” in a sentence?
Here is “inequality” used in a sentence: “The report highlighted growing income inequality across the country.”
What is another word for “inequality”?
Words with a similar meaning to “inequality” include difference, disparity, imparity, inequation, nonequivilence and unevenness.
What is the opposite of “inequality”?
The opposite of “inequality” — its antonyms — is equality.
What part of speech is “inequality”?
“Inequality” is a noun.
Where does the word “inequality” come from?
The word “inequality” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French inequalité, from Medieval Latin inaequālitās — in- ("not") + aequālis ("equal").
Is “inequality” a common word?
“Inequality” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between inequality and inequity?
Inequality is a measurable difference or uneven distribution, such as a gap in income or opportunity. Inequity refers to unfairness or injustice in how those differences arise or are treated. A difference can be an inequality without necessarily being judged an inequity.
What is the opposite of inequality?
In the social sense, the opposite of inequality is equality, meaning fair and even treatment or distribution. In mathematics, the counterpart is an equation or equality, which states that two quantities are equal rather than unequal.
How is an inequality different from an equation in maths?
An inequality states that one quantity is greater or less than another, using symbols such as <, >, ≤, or ≥. An equation instead states that two quantities are equal, using the = sign.
What are examples of inequality in society?
Social inequality involves unfair differences in wealth, income, opportunity, or treatment between people or groups. Commonly discussed forms include income inequality, gender inequality, and racial inequality.
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