diversity, equity and inclusion

noun

variants or less commonly diversity, equity, and inclusion
1
: a set of values and related policies and practices focused on establishing a group culture of equitable and inclusive treatment and on attracting and retaining a diverse group of participants, including people who have historically been excluded or discriminated against
Through our continued focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, we are increasing the number of female attorneys, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community in the leadership pipeline.Phillip G. Hampton, II, quoted in The Madison-St. Clair (Illinois) Record
… we strongly believe in diversity, equity, and inclusion and take many steps toward promoting this through mentoring, internship programs and ensuring equity in pay and opportunity …Jonathan Garcia, quoted in The San Antonio (Texas) Business Journal
This means we practice diversity, equity and inclusion in all we do. It includes investing in our people and creating a culture of care.Lisa Toppin
often used before another noun
Virtually every university, government agency and major corporation has embraced some type of diversity, equity and inclusion policies … to ostensibly promote a more open, equitable and, well, inclusive workplace.Orange County (California) Register
The legal battle comes amid a string of attacks against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in corporate America, schools and higher education in recent months.Niquel Terry Ellis
abbreviation DEI
2
: the state of having a diverse group of participants as well as policies and norms that are equitable and inclusive
Whether within a company or in the community, achieving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a journey and a job that is far from done.David M. Velazquez and Laron Evans
abbreviation DEI

Examples of diversity, equity and inclusion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In person, Cepero said, the DOGE team focused its questions Thursday on the process of assigning contracts to vendors and efforts to achieve diversity, equity and inclusion. Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2025 David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images Google has purged more than 50 organizations related to diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, from a list of organizations that the tech company provides funding to, according to a new report. Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2025 Proceeds from the Tribute Awards go towards the festival’s year-round talent development programs that encourage diversity, equity and inclusion in filmmaking. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2025 The administration also put pressure on companies to end initiatives that help improve and foster diversity, equity and inclusion. Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 The Trump administration has opened investigations at dozens of universities over allegations of antisemitism or racial discrimination in the form of diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 30 July 2025 Since taking office, President Donald Trump has sought to curtail diversity, equity and inclusion programming at universities nationwide. Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025 The office in May updated its grant guidelines after President Donald Trump's executive order targeting diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Rose Androwich, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025 These terminations are being justified under new policies from the Department of Health and Human Services and the NIH that forbid references to diversity, equity and inclusion. Timothy Holtz, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

2001, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diversity, equity and inclusion was in 2001

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Cite this Entry

“Diversity, equity and inclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversity%2C%20equity%20and%20inclusion. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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