inequality

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.

“Inequality” is pronounced ihn-ih-KWOL-ih-tee (/ˌɪn.ɪˈkwɑ.lɪ.ti/ in IPA).

Here is “inequality” used in a sentence: “The report highlighted growing income inequality across the country.”

Words with a similar meaning to “inequality” include difference, disparity, imparity, inequation, nonequivilence and unevenness.

The opposite of “inequality” — its antonyms — is equality.

“Inequality” is a noun.

The word “inequality” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French inequalité, from Medieval Latin inaequālitās — in- ("not") + aequālis ("equal").

“Inequality” is a fairly common word in modern English.

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.

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.

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.

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.