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inequality

 - 3 dictionary results

in⋅e⋅qual⋅i⋅ty

[in-i-kwol-i-tee]
–noun, plural -ties.
1. the condition of being unequal; lack of equality; disparity: inequality of size.
2. social disparity: inequality between the rich and the poor.
3. disparity or relative inadequacy in natural endowments: a startling inequality of intellect, talents, and physical stamina.
4. injustice; partiality.
5. unevenness, as of surface.
6. an instance of unevenness.
7. variableness, as of climate.
8. Astronomy.
a. any component part of the departure from uniformity in astronomical phenomena, esp. in orbital motion.
b. the amount of such a departure.
9. Mathematics. a statement that two quantities are unequal, indicated by the symbol ≠; alternatively, by the symbol <, signifying that the quantity preceding the symbol is less than that following, or by the symbol >, signifying that the quantity preceding the symbol is greater than that following.

Origin:
1375–1425; late ME < L inaequālitās. See in- 3 , equality
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To inequality
in·e·qual·i·ty   (ĭn'ĭ-kwŏl'ĭ-tē)   
n.   pl. in·e·qual·i·ties
    1. The condition of being unequal.

    2. An instance of being unequal.

    3. Lack of equality, as of opportunity, treatment, or status.

    4. Social or economic disparity: the growing inequality between rich and poor.

    1. Lack of equality, as of opportunity, treatment, or status.

    2. Social or economic disparity: the growing inequality between rich and poor.

  1. Lack of smoothness or regularity; unevenness.

  2. Variability; changeability.

  3. Mathematics An algebraic relation showing that a quantity is greater than or less than another quantity.

  4. Astronomy A deviation from uniformity in the motion of a celestial body.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

inequality 
1484, "difference of rank or dignity," from O.Fr. inequalité (14c.), from M.L. inæqualitas, from inæqualis "unequal," from in- "not" + æqualis "equal" (see equal).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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