inequity

noun

in·​eq·​ui·​ty (ˌ)i-ˈne-kwə-tē 

1

: injustice, unfairness

social/racial/educational inequity

… rebellion against flagrant inequity in the labor market …

—Robert Lekachman

2

: an instance of injustice or unfairness

wage inequities

Synonyms of inequity

• injustice

Examples of inequity in a Sentence

the inequities in wages paid to men and women

the inequity of the punishment led many people to believe that the defendant was being punished for his political beliefs

Recent Examples on the Web

The bill would have directed state agencies to recognize historical inequities affecting tribes, and to consult with them on water projects, plans and policies. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

To address those inequities, the bill required financial assistance to tribes, protection of tribal uses and more consultation on water projects. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026

The uncertainty of this moment feels more fractured and more polarized, driven by policy shifts, funding instability, technological disruption and widening inequities that disproportionately affect low-income communities of color. — Philip Weinberg, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Per Johnson’s worldview, heaping more debt burdens on future taxpayers is a way to redress inequities rather than a necessary tool to maintain the city’s infrastructure. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inequity

• equity

Kids Definition

inequity

noun

in·​eq·​ui·​ty (ˈ)in-ˈek-wət-ē 

plural inequities

1

: injustice sense 1, unfairness

2

: an instance of injustice or unfairness

Legal Definition

inequity

noun

in·​eq·​ui·​ty in-ˈe-kwə-tē 

plural inequities

: injustice

also : an instance of injustice