Inequality

Definition

The condition of being unequal or uneven; a lack of balance or parity between individuals or groups.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɪnɪˈkwɑləti/
• Respelling: in-i-KWAH-luh-tee (with "in" as in "tin," "i" as in "sit," "KWAH" as in "squad," "luh" as in "sofa," and "tee" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/
• Respelling: in-i-KWOH-luh-tee (with "in" as in "tin," "i" as in "sit," "KWOH" as in "squad," "luh" as in "sofa," and "tee" as in "see")

In both dialects, "inequality" places the primary stress on the third syllable, "KWAH" (American) or "KWOH" (British). The pronunciation is similar across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "in-i-KWAH-luh-tee" (American) and "in-i-KWOH-luh-tee" (British).

Etymology

Derived from the Latin "inaequalitas", from "inaequalis" ("unequal"), from "in-" ("not") + "aequalis" ("equal").

Derivatives

• Inequal (adjective)
• Inequitable (adjective)
• Inequity (noun)
• Unequal (adjective)
• Unequaled (adjective)

Synonyms

• Disparity
• Imbalance
• Disproportion

Antonyms

• Equality
• Sameness
• Equilibrium

Usage

"Inequality" is commonly used in social, economic, and political contexts to describe the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and rights among different groups of people. It is also used in mathematics to describe expressions that are not equal.

Related Terms

• Discrimination
• Unfairness
• Bias
• Discrepancy
• Divergence

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Inequality (Noun, Social/Economic): The state of being unequal in status, rights, and opportunities.
  • Example: "Social inequality remains a significant issue in many countries."

• Inequality (Noun, Mathematical): A statement that two quantities are not equal.
  • Example: "The inequality x > y indicates that x is greater than y."

Note: "Inequality" often refers to a socio-economic concept but can also relate to mathematical, physical, or other contexts where two things are not the same or do not have the same properties.