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 odds are not in her favor, owing as much to the industry’s profound systemic inequities as to Misty’s own penchant for self-sabotage. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

This inequity not only impacts women psychologically, but physically. — Georgia Casey, Allure, 9 Oct. 2026

Recognizing, acknowledging and working to rectify, wherever possible, the moral blindspots, inequities and shortfalls of the past is not hatred for our nation, as some suggest. — James Coffin, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

For 27 years, Save the Music has addressed systemic inequities in music education. — Paul Grein, Billboard, 6 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