equitable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equitable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is fair and impartial, often in the context of justice or distribution of resources. Example: "The court's decision aimed to create an equitable solution for both parties involved in the dispute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But this seems odd, since as early as 1998, the Treasury, which then regulated the industry, was seriously worried about the solvency of Equitable Life.The FSA also defends its decision to allow Equitable to carry on trading between July and December, saying that closing Equitable's doors earlier to new business would have made a sale less likely.

The Economist

Leigh Daynes, executive director of Doctors of the World UK, said: "The failure to ensure equitable access to healthcare across Europe is this century's hidden public health time bomb.

The Guardian

And it must be equitable - helping poorer countries adapt and to forge their own transition to a low-carbon future.

The Guardian - Opinion

TJN has set out a list of priorities for reform, which include requiring multinationals to say how much tax they pay in each country they operate in, treating them as one entity for tax purposes (so-called unitary taxation), increased transparency, progressive and equitable taxation, a level playing field in competitive markets, and increased corporate responsibility.

The Guardian - Business

I recently left Rwanda after six years as minister of agriculture and animal resources and I am now president of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (Agra) a group that views agriculture – the sector that employs the majority of Africans – as the key to driving sustainable, equitable growth across the continent.

The Guardian

"Accepting the limitations of NHS resources, and the inter-dependencies of care which make providing an equitable service a challenge of viability as well as one of principle, every effort should be made to ensure that the standard of care a patient receives, their experience of it and the outcome as a result, are not impacted by the day of the week".

The Guardian

In this way, rich and developing countries can get equitable access to sustainable development, which should be the key aim that drives each country over the next 12 months on the road from Lima to Paris.

The Guardian

The SDGs propose that, by 2030, "all girls and boys [should] complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Holder on Friday announced a new policy that, with a few exceptions, prohibits state and local law enforcement from implementing the controversial Equitable Sharing Program, which was created in 1985 as part of the US government's "war on drugs".

The Guardian

On Friday, 19 September, I moderated a panel at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth that included Solow as well as economists Brad DeLong, Tyler Cowen and Russ Roberts.

The Guardian - Money

Brad DeLong was a deputy assistant secretary of the treasury from 1993-1995, and is now a professor of economics at UC Berkeley, a research associate of the NBER and a blogger for the Washington Center for Equitable Growth.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the distribution of resources or opportunities, use "equitable" to emphasize fairness that considers individual needs, not just equality. For example, an "equitable" education system provides extra support to students who need it most.

Common error

Avoid using "equitable" and "equal" interchangeably. "Equal" means the same for everyone, while "equitable" means fair by catering to specific needs or circumstances, which might not always result in sameness. Don't assume that equal treatment automatically leads to an "equitable" outcome.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "equitable" primarily functions to describe something characterized by fairness and impartiality. It's commonly used to modify nouns related to systems, treatment, or distribution, indicating that these are designed or intended to be just and unbiased. Examples from Ludwig show its use in phrases like "equitable access" and "equitable taxation".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "equitable" is frequently employed to describe something characterized by fairness and impartiality, particularly in distribution, systems, or treatment. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, mainly in News & Media sources. It's important not to confuse "equitable" with "equal", as the former focuses on catering to specific needs to achieve fairness, unlike the latter which means the same for everyone. Alternatives such as "fair", "just", and "impartial" can be used depending on the context, each with its nuanced differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fair

A more general term for impartiality and justice, lacking the legal or systematic connotation of "equitable".

just

Implies moral rightness and fairness, whereas "equitable" focuses on balanced distribution and treatment.

impartial

Emphasizes a lack of bias or prejudice, while "equitable" highlights fairness in outcomes and processes.

unbiased

Similar to impartial, but more focused on the absence of preconceived opinions, unlike the action-oriented "equitable".

fair-minded

Highlights the attitude of fairness and open-mindedness, rather than the implementation of fair systems that "equitable" suggests.

even-handed

Suggests treating all parties the same, whereas "equitable" allows for differentiated treatment to achieve fairness.

proportionate

Focuses on maintaining correct ratios or balances, but doesn't necessarily imply fairness in a broader sense as "equitable" does.

unprejudiced

Similar to "impartial" and "unbiased", connoting lack of bias but not necessarily active pursuit of fairness like "equitable".

reasonable

Emphasizes logical and justifiable decisions, but doesn't always encompass the moral imperative of fairness inherent in "equitable".

balanced

Implies equilibrium and equal distribution, whereas "equitable" allows for unequal distribution to correct imbalances.

FAQs

How is "equitable" used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "equitable" often refers to remedies or judgments based on fairness and justice, rather than strict legal rules. It aims to provide solutions that address the specific circumstances of a case, ensuring a just outcome even if the law doesn't provide a clear answer. It is the opposite of legal formality.

What's the difference between "equitable" and "fair"?

"Equitable" and "fair" are often used interchangeably, but "equitable" often implies a more structured or systematic approach to achieving justice, particularly in legal or organizational contexts. "Fair" can be a more general and subjective assessment of justice.

Can "equitable" be used to describe a person?

While "equitable" primarily describes systems, processes, or outcomes, it can indirectly describe a person who actively promotes or ensures fairness and justice in their actions and decisions. It's more common to say someone is "fair minded" or "just".

How to ensure an "equitable" distribution of resources?

Achieving an "equitable" distribution involves assessing individual needs, addressing systemic barriers, and tailoring resource allocation to promote equal opportunities and outcomes. This might include providing additional support to disadvantaged groups or adjusting policies to correct historical inequalities. It does not necessarily mean /s/equal /s/distribution.