inequality
/ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪnɪˈkwɑːləti/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌi-ni-ˈkwä-lə-tē/ (ame, mw)
inequality — 名詞
- inequalitysingular
- inequalitiesplural
1. A situation in which some people or groups do not receive the same treatment, ch
不平等
社會中機會、財富、待遇分配不均的狀態
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.
Sade's school project examined how inequality affects housing prices in different neighbourhoods.
Sade 的學校專題探討了不平等如何影響不同社區的房價。
examine + how inequality affects [domain]
Bao noticed the inequality between his old school and the private school across the street.
Bao 注意到他的舊學校與街對面那間私立學校之間的不平等。
The government introduced new taxes to reduce the growing inequality between rich and poor regions.
政府推行新稅制以減少富裕地區與貧困地區之間日益嚴重的不平等。
Padma volunteers for a charity fighting inequality by giving free legal help to poor families.
Padma 在一家對抗不平等的慈善機構擔任志工，為貧困家庭提供免費法律服務。
Healthcare inequality can mean the difference between life and death for people in remote areas.
醫療保健的不平等對偏遠地區的人們來說可能意味著生死之差。
- 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.
- 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.