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Inequality: meaning, definitions and examples

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inequality

 

[ ɪnɪˈkwɒlɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mathematical concept

A mathematical relationship between two expressions that are not equal. Inequality symbols include < (less than), > (greater than), ≤ (less than or equal to), and ≥ (greater than or equal to). Inequalities are solved by determining the values that make the statement true.

Synonyms

discrepancy, disparity, imbalance

Examples of usage

  • 2x + 5 < 15
  • 3y ≥ 9
  • x - 4 > 2
  • a/2 ≤ 8
  • b + 3 < 10
Context #2 | Noun

social justice

A situation where there is a difference in opportunities, treatment, or outcomes between individuals or groups. Inequalities can be based on factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, or education.

Synonyms

discrepancy, disparity, unfairness

Examples of usage

  • gender inequality in the workplace
  • racial inequalities in access to healthcare
  • income inequality in society

Translations

Translations of the word "inequality" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desigualdade

🇮🇳 असमानता

🇩🇪 Ungleichheit

🇮🇩 ketidaksetaraan

🇺🇦 нерівність

🇵🇱 nierówność

🇯🇵 不平等 (ふびょうどう)

🇫🇷 inégalité

🇪🇸 desigualdad

🇹🇷 eşitsizlik

🇰🇷 불평등 (bulpyeongdeung)

🇸🇦 عدم المساواة

🇨🇿 nerovnost

🇸🇰 nerovnosť

🇨🇳 不平等 (bù píngděng)

🇸🇮 neenakost

🇮🇸 ójöfnuður

🇰🇿 теңсіздік

🇬🇪 არათანასწორობა

🇦🇿 bərabərsizlik

🇲🇽 desigualdad

Etymology

The word 'inequality' has its origins in the late Middle English period, derived from the Latin word 'inequalitas', which is a combination of 'in-' (not) and 'aequalis' (equal). The concept of inequality has been present throughout human history, with discussions on social, economic, and mathematical inequalities dating back centuries.

See also: egalitarian, equal, equalitarian, equality, equalization, equalize, equalizing, equally, equals, equivocal, inequal, unequal, unequaled, unequalled, unequally.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,136 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.