C1noun1K

Equality

UK /["/iˈkwɒləti/"]/US /["/iˈkwɑːləti/"]/

Definition

the fact of being equal in rights, status, advantages, etc.

In simple words: The state of being the same in rights, status, or opportunities.

Examples

  • The principle of equality is fundamental to human rights.
  • They fought for gender equality in the workplace.
  • Social equality aims to reduce gaps between different communities.
  • Equality before the law ensures that everyone is treated fairly.
  • Mathematics often deals with equations expressing equality between two expressions.
  • The equality sign (=) indicates that two values are the same.

Usage notes

Used in discussions about social justice and rights; appropriate in academic and formal settings, but may be less common in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'equal in quality'—everyone gets the same level.

Collocations

  • complete
  • full
  • perfect
  • have
  • achieve
  • demand
  • equality before the law
  • equality of opportunity
  • equality between
  • equality for
  • equality in

Synonyms

  • fairness
  • parity
  • equivalence
  • sameness

Antonyms

  • inequality
  • disparity

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'equity' which refers to fairness in treatment, not just sameness.
  • Using it as a verb; 'equality' is a noun.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'eqwality' instead of 'ih-kwol-i-tee'.