inequality

noun

in·​equal·​i·​ty ˌi-ni-ˈkwä-lə-tē How to pronounce inequality (audio)
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
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.
As Soledad battles a legal system riddled with corruption, inequality and skewed patriarchal values, Julieta’s case ignites a wave of outrage and solidarity, giving rise to a powerful movement demanding justice. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025 Final Fantasy Tactics spits on that idea, and proudly declares that fighting inequality is, in fact, what society is supposed to do. Hayes Madsen, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2025 There, protesters embraced it to voice frustration with government policies and mounting discontent over corruption and inequality. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025 Even after the oil industry was nationalized, social inequalities remained. Sabrina Weiss, The Dial, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inequality

Word History

Etymology

Middle English inequalite, from Latin inaequalitat-, inaequalitas, from inaequalis unequal, from in- + aequalis equal

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inequality was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inequality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inequality. Accessed 26 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

inequality

noun
in·​equal·​i·​ty ˌin-i-ˈkwäl-ət-ē How to pronounce inequality (audio)
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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