inequity
in-EK-wit-ee
/ɪnˈɛkwɪti/
Lack of fairness or justice; an instance of unjust treatment or distribution.
Implies a moral or systemic injustice, whereas 'inequality' can simply mean numerical difference.
The story behind the word. The word builds on Latin 'aequus' (equal) with the prefix 'in-' (not). Through Middle French 'inéquité', it entered Late Middle English specifically to describe moral unjustness rather than mere mathematical variance.
Word relationships
- injustice: Injustice is a broader term covering moral and legal wrongs, while inequity specifically highlights unfair distribution or opportunity.
- unfairness: Unfairness is informal and emotional, whereas inequity usually refers to structured, systemic imbalances.
- equity: Equity implies granting individuals what they specifically need to enjoy equal opportunity.
Commonly confused with
- inequality: Inequality is a measurable mathematical difference in outcome or resource, whereas inequity emphasizes that the disparity is unfair or unjust.
Word family
- inequitable (adjective): Unfair or unjust in distribution.
- inequitably (adverb): In an unfair or unequal manner.
Collocations
- gross inequity
- systemic inequity
- address inequity
- perpetuate inequity
Example sentences
- "Gross regional inequity in school funding ensures that children in wealthier suburbs receive twice the per-pupil investment of their rural counterparts." Education funding debate
Memory hook
Think 'IN-EQUITY' = 'IN-JUSTICE' regarding EQUAL distribution. In-equity is in-justice.
When not to use
Do not use merely to state that two numbers are unequal; use 'inequality' or 'difference' instead.
Fun facts
- In legal terms, equity courts historically provided remedies where strict common law rules were too rigid to yield a fair result.
Explore more words
inequitable, disparity, equitable, disproportionate, redress, distributive
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