C1noun formal 1K

Inequality

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˌɪnɪˈkwɑːləti/"]/

Meaning of Inequality

the unfair difference between groups of people in society, when some have more wealth, status or opportunities than others

In simple words: A situation where things are not equal or fair.

Inequality in a sentence

• The government is working to reduce economic inequality between different social groups.
• Gender inequality remains a significant issue in many countries around the world.
• In mathematics, an inequality expresses the relationship between two values when they are not equal.
• The inequality x > 5 means that x can be any number greater than 5.
• Inequality in wealth distribution has led to social unrest in several regions.
• Solving the inequality involves finding all values of y such that y ≤ 10.
• Inequality in educational opportunities limits the potential of many children.
• The concept of inequality is essential in various fields such as economics and mathematics.

How to use Inequality

Used in discussions about social, economic, or educational fairness. Often seen in academic or policy contexts; avoid in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'in-equal-ity' as in 'not equal'.

Related words

Collocations with Inequality

• great
• gross
• substantial
• cause
• create
• lead to
• exist
• arise from something
• be based on something
• inequality between
• inequality in
• inequalities of power, wealth, etc.
• a pattern of inequality

Synonyms for Inequality

• disparity
• imbalance
• inequity
• discrepancy
• division

Opposites of Inequality

• equality
• fairness

Common mistakes with Inequality

• Confused with 'equal' vs 'inequal'.
• Using it in singular form when it’s not countable.
• Mixing up the meaning with 'inequity', which has a slightly different connotation.

Frequently asked questions about Inequality

What does Inequality mean?

A situation where things are not equal or fair.

What is the definition of Inequality?

the unfair difference between groups of people in society, when some have more wealth, status or opportunities than others

How do you use Inequality in a sentence?

The government is working to reduce economic inequality between different social groups.

Can you give another example of Inequality?

Gender inequality remains a significant issue in many countries around the world.

What are synonyms for Inequality?

Common alternatives include disparity, imbalance, inequity, discrepancy, division.

What is the opposite of Inequality?

Opposite meanings include equality, fairness.

What words go with Inequality?

It commonly pairs with great, gross, substantial, cause, create, lead to, exist, arise from something, be based on something, inequality between, inequality in, inequalities of power, wealth, etc., a pattern of inequality.

What are common mistakes when using Inequality?

Confused with 'equal' vs 'inequal'. Using it in singular form when it’s not countable. Mixing up the meaning with 'inequity', which has a slightly different connotation.

How do you pronounce Inequality?

US: /["/ˌɪnɪˈkwɑːləti/"]/, UK: /["/ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Inequality formal or informal?

"Inequality" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Inequality?

Used in discussions about social, economic, or educational fairness. Often seen in academic or policy contexts; avoid in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Inequality?

"Inequality" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.