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inequality

inequality

183 4.2
A situation where some people have fewer rights or chances than others
  • noun
  • /ˌɪnɪˈkwɑːləti/
translation icon : desigualdad
  • That's how we end up with wealth inequality like we have today.
  • gender inequality
  • social inequality
  • income inequality

That's how we end up with wealth inequality like we have today.

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Examples

  • Inequality of wealth in the United States is now higher than in any other developed country.

  • That's why income inequality keeps going up.

  • And in most countries of the world, inequality is getting worse.

  • The income inequality was pretty bad before this.

  • And behind it all, the massive inequality kept on growing.

  • We have a great inequality of wealth and income.

  • We must unite in our fight against racial inequality and celebrate the diversity of this great nation.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • Inequality is pushing us farther and farther apart.

  • Maloney praises legislative efforts to address inequalities in areas such as salaries, employment opportunities, and education.

    Academic text (1999)
  • The increasing inequality in access to education is a major concern for policymakers.

Synonyms

injustice
vsinequality
197 3.9

An unfair action or situation that treats people badly

is a wider condition of differing rights or social position, not a single act
disparity
vsinequality
75 6.7

A large unfair difference in people's chances or treatment

is any state where people differ not only large or notable differences
inequity
vsinequality
25 7.4

Unfair treatment that gives some people fewer chances or help

is a state where people have different rights or opportunities
social injustice
vsinequality
6 4.6

Unfair treatment of some people because of who they are

is a broader state where rights or opportunities differ across people
disproportionality
vsinequality
1 8.1

A situation when one thing is much larger or smaller than another and seems unfair

is about differences in rights, opportunities, or social position

Antonyms

293 2.2

People have the same rights, position, and opportunities

equity
  • Formal
46 5.3

Fair and equal treatment of people, for example at work or school

Compounds

A difference in how money and goods are shared between people or groups

How Unequal

gulf
53 4.7
disparity
75 6.7
inequality
183 4.2
imbalance
86 4.2
equality
293 2.2

Surface Forms

inequality singular
inequalities plural

Morphology

inequality = equality (transparent) = in + equal + ity

This sense is a straightforward negated form of 'equality', meaning the absence or lack of equality.

Etymology

Inequality comes from in- meaning 'not' and equal meaning 'the same'. So inequality is when things or people are 'not the same', for example when some people have more money, rights, or chances than others.