inequality

/ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪnɪˈkwɑːləti/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌi-ni-ˈkwä-lə-tē/ (ame, mw)

inequality — noun

  • inequalitysingular
  • inequalitiesplural

1. A situation in which some people or groups do not receive the same treatment, ch

1.名詞B2
釋義

A situation in which some people or groups do not receive the same treatment, chances, or material benefits as others, usually because the system or social structure is set up in an unfair way.

例句

Sade's school project examined how inequality affects housing prices in different neighbourhoods.

examine + how inequality affects [domain]

Bao noticed the inequality between his old school and the private school across the street.

同義詞
  • disparity

    More neutral and factual; often used in formal or statistical contexts (e.g. income disparity). Does not always carry the moral judgment that inequality implies.

  • imbalance

    Focuses on uneven distribution rather than unfairness; common in discussions of power, representation, or resources.

  • unfairness

    Broader in meaning, covering any unjust situation, not only systemic social differences.

  • discrimination

    Refers specifically to unequal treatment based on group identity (race, gender, age), whereas inequality can also result from broader structural factors.

反義詞
  • equality

    The direct opposite; a state where everyone has the same rights, opportunities, and status.

  • fairness

    Focuses on just treatment rather than equal outcomes; may allow different treatment for different needs.

  • equity

    Similar to fairness, but emphasises proportional rather than identical distribution of resources.

文法句型

inequality + between + plural noun phrase

inequality + in + noun/gerund

inequality + of + noun

adjective + inequality

用法筆記

Often preceded by a domain-specific adjective such as economic, social, gender, or racial. The word can be used as an uncountable noun for the general concept (e.g. to fight inequality) or as a countable noun for specific instances (e.g. the inequalities of the healthcare system). Typically followed by between when comparing two groups, or in when specifying a domain.

常見錯誤

❌There is a big inequality in size between the two boxes.
✅There is a big difference in size between the two boxes.
💡inequality refers to social unfairness, not general differences in measurements or size.
❌Inequality between the two numbers is 10.
✅The difference between the two numbers is 10.
💡in everyday English, inequality describes unfair social conditions, not mathematical gaps.