inequality

noun

Definition of inequalitynext
as in difference
a state or condition in which different things do not occur in equal amounts They discussed the problem of inequality between students. He accused the company of inequality in its hiring practices.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inequality And the global threats to health risk amplifying existing inequalities, with the greatest burden falling on the most vulnerable communities. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026 The China shock accelerated inequality and contributed to the political polarization that many democracies are still living with today. — Jared Franz, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026 Capital & Main is an independent, nonprofit investigative news publication that reports on inequality, climate change and other issues. — Jennifer Oldham, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026 Some of it is inequality and having to work too many jobs to make a living, much less have an argument. — Margaret Wappler, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inequality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inequality
  1. difference
  2. diversity
  3. distance
  4. imbalance
  5. distinctiveness
  6. distinctness
  7. divergence
  8. disparity
Noun
  • These functions can obscure crucial differences in how these activities are designed to reward users; a relatively small parlay wager can offer the possibility of an outsized, immediate payout if multiple outcomes occur.
    — Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The major difference is the old North Flag had a power reserve indicator, whereas the new one ditches that in favor of a GMT complication.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • But beyond that particular case, the suit says, the agents and analysts had a diversity of career experience, including expertise in the counterintelligence threat from Iran and instances of helping recover American hostages held abroad.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The diversity and scale of South America have provided the canvas for many unforgettable journeys, but one trip stands out in particular.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of diversity
Noun
  • Third downs against the Rebels were tough sledding; the Tigers’ average third-down distance was from 8 yards out.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026
  • More than half a million children cannot attend school in Sierra Leone due to costs, food insecurity and long, unsafe distances to school, Garland learned.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of distance
Noun
  • Since the 1970s, leap seconds have also been doing the job of correcting the imbalance between astronomical time and the ultraprecise atomic clocks that now set the global standard.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The finance chiefs ended the meeting without a joint communique, underscoring persistent divisions among members over the Middle East conflict, trade imbalances, and Russia's war with Ukraine.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of imbalance
Noun
  • Yet, Farrow, Martin and Vega nail the distinctiveness of being a millennial.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The first Captain America movie used this quality of his well, but his character’s distinctiveness gradually faded in subsequent Marvel entries.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of distinctiveness
Noun
  • How can the sense of an absolute union of all matter be reconciled with the endless multiplicity and distinctness of it?
    — Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
  • However, a few hours with Air Riders reveals the nuance and depth of its gameplay, the distinctness of this flavor of racing game and its sensory, chaotic, and strategic appeal.
    — Ryan Gaur, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2025
Definition of distinctness
Noun
  • With the latest decreases in cotton prices, a divergence has emerged with the oil market.
    — SJ Guest Editorial, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • This requires, though, that the majority of stocks are not outright declining and that the divergences aren't accompanied by signs of acute macro stress and tighter financial conditions.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of divergence
Noun
  • If the main predictor of racial disparities in prison is poverty, then denouncing police and prosecutors as racist won't shrink those gaps.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The measures are meant to address wealth disparities created by apartheid, when South Africa’s white minority excluded Black people from the economy.
    — John Eligon, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of disparity

Browse Nearby Words

ineptness
inequality
inequitable
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Cite this Entry

“Inequality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inequality. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inequality

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