Standard Lemma guide

inequity

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • UK: /ɪnˈɛk.wɨ.ti/
  • Southern-England: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • US: /ɪnˈɛkwɪti/
  • CMU ARPABET: IH2 N EH1 K W AH0 T IY0 Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A lack of equity (justice).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: injustice, unfairness, partiality, bias
  • The intended purpose of antidiscrimination laws is to counteract and reduce inequity.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: injustice, unfairness, partiality, bias

Antonyms: equity, justice, fairness, impartiality, antibias

2

noun

Meaning 2

An unjust act; a disservice.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Examples

  • His action was clearly an inequity.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

injustice by virtue of not conforming with rules or standards

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: unfairness

Antonyms: equity

Broader terms: injustice, unjustness

Narrower terms: gamesmanship

History

Etymology

From in- + equity. Piecewise doublet of iniquity.