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
Jimmy Donaldson has in the past been criticized for using the $700 million fortune amassed by his work on YouTube to right social inequalities.
—
Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 1 July 2024
The central government could decrease cash transfers to Kenya’s counties, further fueling the inequality that plagues Kenyan society, and could cut into critical programs like meals for school-age children.
—Ellen Ioanes, Vox, 29 June 2024
Read More: The Supreme Court Weighs Whether South Carolina Targeted Black Voters in Redistricting
Instead, the Justices ruled 5-4 against McCleskey, a ruling that tried to insulate the criminal justice system nationwide from structural inequality lawsuits.
—Robert L. Tsai / Made By History, TIME, 28 June 2024
Erik Ortiz Erik Ortiz is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital focusing on racial injustice and social inequality.
—Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for inequality 
Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 1 July 2024
The central government could decrease cash transfers to Kenya’s counties, further fueling the inequality that plagues Kenyan society, and could cut into critical programs like meals for school-age children.
—Ellen Ioanes, Vox, 29 June 2024
Read More: The Supreme Court Weighs Whether South Carolina Targeted Black Voters in Redistricting
Instead, the Justices ruled 5-4 against McCleskey, a ruling that tried to insulate the criminal justice system nationwide from structural inequality lawsuits.
—Robert L. Tsai / Made By History, TIME, 28 June 2024
Erik Ortiz Erik Ortiz is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital focusing on racial injustice and social inequality.
—Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for inequality
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inequality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Inequality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inequality. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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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