inequality
noun
in·equal·i·ty
ˌi-ni-ˈkwä-lə-tē 
1
: the quality of being unequal or uneven: such as
a
: social disparity
b
: disparity of distribution or opportunity
c
: lack of evenness
d
: the condition of being variable : changeableness
2
: an instance of being unequal
3
: a formal statement of inequality between two quantities usually separated by a sign of inequality (such as <, >, or ≠ signifying respectively is less than, is greater than, or is not equal to)
Examples of inequality in a Sentence
They discussed the problem of inequality between students.
He accused the company of inequality in its hiring practices.
He has proposed a new system designed to remove inequalities in health care.
Recent Examples on the Web
Economic anthropologist Jason Hickel has emerged as a prominent voice to link inequality and broader notions of sustainability.
—
Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
But in a country beset by wide economic inequalities, many Panamanians are questioning what citizens have gained from managing the iconic trade route themselves.
—Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Apr. 2025
Someone excited to ski, then immediately breaks their leg and spends the whole time laid up in their room
The show has done lots with different inequalities within a relationship, but what about health?
—Vulture Staff, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
The senator raised concerns about growing inequality in America, pointing to a slew of economic issues many Americans are struggling with.
—John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inequality
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Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
But in a country beset by wide economic inequalities, many Panamanians are questioning what citizens have gained from managing the iconic trade route themselves.
—Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Apr. 2025
Someone excited to ski, then immediately breaks their leg and spends the whole time laid up in their room
The show has done lots with different inequalities within a relationship, but what about health?
—Vulture Staff, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
The senator raised concerns about growing inequality in America, pointing to a slew of economic issues many Americans are struggling with.
—John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inequality
Cite this Entry
“Inequality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inequality. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inequality
noun
in·equal·i·ty
ˌin-i-ˈkwäl-ət-ē
plural inequalities
1
: the quality of being unequal
2
: an instance of being unequal (as an irregularity in a surface)
3
: a statement in mathematics or logic that two quantities usually separated by a special sign (as <, >, or ≠ respectively meaning "is less than," "is greater than," or "is not equal to") are not equal
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