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
But a senior South African diplomat said talks had been complicated by Washington’s demands around laws that address racial inequalities caused by apartheid.
—
semafor.com, 30 July 2025
Last week, a report from the nonprofit CT Voices for Children examined how the state’s stagnant job growth, high number of unfilled job openings and labor force declines could be boosted by making wages fairer and reducing wage inequality.
—P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 29 July 2025
Non-nuclear states accepted the inequality enshrined in the NPT but only because the treaty itself was subject to review and renewal every five years.
—Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 2025
Advertisement Read More: The Founders Knew Great Wealth Inequality Was Dangerous
These new initiatives to tax extreme wealth and fight inequality are building important political momentum.
—Amitabh Behar, Time, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for inequality
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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semafor.com, 30 July 2025
Last week, a report from the nonprofit CT Voices for Children examined how the state’s stagnant job growth, high number of unfilled job openings and labor force declines could be boosted by making wages fairer and reducing wage inequality.
—P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 29 July 2025
Non-nuclear states accepted the inequality enshrined in the NPT but only because the treaty itself was subject to review and renewal every five years.
—Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 2025
Advertisement Read More: The Founders Knew Great Wealth Inequality Was Dangerous
These new initiatives to tax extreme wealth and fight inequality are building important political momentum.
—Amitabh Behar, Time, 28 July 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 6 Aug. 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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