inequality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inequality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about social, economic, or mathematical disparities. Example: "The report highlights the growing inequality between different socioeconomic groups in the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After decades of waning organized labor power and wage stagnation, issues of worker rights and discriminatory pay inequity have moved to the forefront of an ongoing national conversation about wealth inequality in America.

The Guardian

Other demonstrators said there was no political will to tackle issues around racism and inequality.

The Guardian

Yet public spending does not make up for this inequality, since Whitehall's Barnett formula gives more per head to Scotland than to Wales.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lyons notes that globalisation has helped reduce inequality between countries, but is "adding to inequality within countries, as highly skilled workers benefit from new markets, while low- and medium-skilled workers in the west compete with cheaper workers in emerging countries, or with immigrants at home".

The Guardian - Business

The latest protest is one of a series aimed at fueling a national debate on income inequality and comes after a report from the Demos thinktank showed that fast-food companies had the largest gap between the pay of CEOs and workers of any industry.

The Guardian - Business

By attacking poverty and pay, we'll address the inequality that blights lives - and stimulate the economy at the same time.

The Guardian

But if they don't back up their words with action and continue to deploy the filibuster and retreat of the old politics in the face of social inequality then they too will reap a bitter harvest.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the New York Times earlier this year, Paul Krugman wrote of an economic effect called "The Great Gatsby curve," a graph that measures fiscal inequality against social mobility and shows that America's marked economic inequality means it has correlatively low social mobility.

The Guardian - Books

Guatemala needs to recognize on a national level the socio-economic inequality that sees it stumble at the very first of the UN Millennium Development Goals: to end extreme poverty and hunger.

The Guardian

As we confront growing inequality today, it's a speech I often find myself rereading.

The Guardian - Opinion

We're in the most extraordinarily gigantic building boom that we've seen Rachel Schuett, town planner in San Francisco That picture is an apt symbol for the city's widening inequality.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "inequality", be specific about the type of inequality you're addressing (e.g., income inequality, gender inequality, racial inequality) to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "inequality" and inequity interchangeably. While both relate to differences, inequity specifically implies injustice or unfairness, while inequality is a broader term referring to any disparity.

Linguistic Context

Inequality primarily functions as a noun, referring to the state of not being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities. Ludwig AI identifies that the term is used to describe unfair or uneven distributions. The examples underscore its role in identifying disparities across different sectors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inequality" is a noun used to describe a state of not being equal, especially concerning social status, rights, and opportunities. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use in various contexts, particularly in news and media, formal business, and scientific discussions. The phrase is grammatically correct, very common, and serves to highlight disparities and advocate for social change. It's important to be specific about the type of "inequality" being addressed and avoid confusing it with "inequity", which implies injustice. Using alternative terms like "disparity" or "imbalance" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disparity

Focuses on the difference or lack of similarity between two or more things.

imbalance

Highlights a lack of proportion or equilibrium in a distribution or system.

inequity

Emphasizes the injustice or unfairness associated with the unequal distribution of resources or opportunities.

unevenness

Suggests a lack of uniformity or smoothness in a distribution or situation.

disproportion

Indicates that the relationship between two or more things is not equal or balanced.

disadvantage

Focuses on the unfavorable condition or circumstance that some individuals or groups face.

unfairness

Highlights the lack of justice or impartiality in a situation or system.

social stratification

Refers to the hierarchical arrangement of social groups based on factors like wealth, status, and power.

differential treatment

Emphasizes the act of treating individuals or groups differently based on certain characteristics.

lack of parity

Indicates an absence of equality or equivalence between two or more things.

FAQs

How is "inequality" commonly used in a sentence?

The word "inequality" is frequently used to describe disparities in income, opportunities, or treatment. For example: "The report highlights the growing income "inequality" in the country."

What are some alternatives to using the word "inequality"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "disparity", "imbalance", or "inequity" to convey similar meanings.

What is the difference between "inequality" and "inequity"?

"Inequality" refers to any difference or disparity, while "inequity" specifically implies unfairness or injustice in the distribution of resources or opportunities.

How does economic "inequality" affect society?

Economic "inequality" can lead to social unrest, reduced economic mobility, and disparities in access to healthcare and education.