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disparity

dis-PAR-i-tee /dɪˈspærɪti/

nounC1GREIELTSTOEFL

academicformalmedical

A great difference or noticeable lack of equality between two or more groups.

Unlike a simple 'difference', disparity usually implies an unfair or unjust imbalance that requires intervention.

The story behind the word. From the Latin 'disparitas', combining 'dis-' (not) and 'par' (equal). It originally referred to things that simply didn't match, but in modern social science, it has become a powerful term for describing systemic inequality.

Word relationships

imbalance: Imbalance is more general; disparity specifically highlights the 'unequal' nature of the gap.
divergence: Divergence suggests moving in different directions, whereas disparity focuses on the current state of inequality.

parity: Parity is the state of being equal, the direct opposite of disparity.

Commonly confused with

difference: A difference is neutral; a disparity is often viewed as a social problem.

Word family

disparate (adjective): essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison.

Collocations

economic disparity
health disparity
growing disparity
racial disparity

Example sentences

"The disparity between the health of the rich and the poor is a scandal that we must address through policy." Public health report
"There is a huge disparity in the wealth of the world." Global health statistics

Memory hook

Think of 'dis-parity' as 'this pair is not equal'. If a pair of scales is tilted, there is a disparity. The 'par' in disparity is the same as 'par' in golf—the standard score. Disparity means being away from that standard.

When not to use

Do not use for minor, neutral differences, such as the disparity between two colors of paint.

Fun facts

In mathematics, parity refers to whether a number is even or odd, but in healthcare, it's all about fairness.