inherently unequal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inherently unequal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has unequal parts that cannot be made equal without significant effort or change. For example, "The education system in this country is inherently unequal, with disadvantaged students receiving fewer resources than those in privileged neighborhoods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal".

The New York Times

Separate education facilities are inherently unequal".

The Guardian

The Winter Olympics are inherently unequal.

The New Yorker

Marshall argued that segregation was inherently unequal.

The Washington Post

We conclude unanimously * separate educational facilities are inherently unequal".

The New York Times

Segregated educational facilities were found to be inherently unequal.

Britannica

He was committed to getting a court to declare that separate facilities are inherently unequal.

The New Yorker

Statements to read to students: –Separate but equal facilities are inherently unequal.

The New York Times

IN 1954, the United States Supreme Court ruled that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.

The New York Times

It is now true, as the court held, that "separate but equal facilities are inherently unequal".

The New York Times

By The New Yorker February 20 , 2014The Winter Olympics are inherently unequal.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inherently unequal", ensure you specify the context and the entities or aspects being compared to make the inequality clear to the reader. For example, "The distribution of wealth in this country is inherently unequal between the top 1% and the rest of the population."

Common error

Avoid using "inherently unequal" without providing specific examples or evidence of the inequality. A statement like "All relationships are inherently unequal" is too broad and lacks supporting details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inherently unequal" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to describe something that possesses an intrinsic or fundamental inequality. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in describing educational facilities, power relationships, and other systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inherently unequal" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that describes something as possessing a fundamental or intrinsic inequality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English. The analysis of usage patterns highlights its prevalence in news and media, academia, and encyclopedic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the context of the inequality and providing supporting details to avoid overgeneralization. The availability of alternatives such as "fundamentally imbalanced" and "structurally unfair" offers options for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamentally imbalanced

Highlights the lack of equilibrium in a system or situation, emphasizing its basic design flaw.

structurally unfair

Focuses on the unfairness being built into the structure of something, rather than just being a superficial issue.

intrinsically biased

Emphasizes that the bias is an essential characteristic of something, making it inseparable from its nature.

unequal by design

Directly points out that the inequality was intentionally created or is a direct result of the design.

unequally constituted

Suggests that the components or elements of something are arranged in a way that creates inequality.

inherently skewed

Indicates that something is naturally tilted or biased in a particular direction, leading to inequality.

systemically unjust

Draws attention to the broader systemic nature of the injustice, suggesting it is embedded in the system.

uneven playing field

An idiomatic expression conveying that the conditions are not fair or equal for all participants.

unequal from the start

Highlights that the disparity existed from the very beginning, indicating a foundational problem.

naturally disparate

Suggests that the inequality arises from the inherent differences between the entities involved.

FAQs

How can I use "inherently unequal" in a sentence?

You can use "inherently unequal" to describe systems, relationships, or situations where inequality is a fundamental characteristic. For example, "The access to quality healthcare is inherently unequal across different socioeconomic classes."

What are some alternatives to "inherently unequal"?

You can use alternatives like "fundamentally imbalanced", "structurally unfair", or "intrinsically biased" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something is "inherently unequal"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe something with fundamental disparities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. However, ensure the context supports the claim.

What's the difference between "inherently unequal" and "simply unequal"?

"Inherently unequal" implies that the inequality is a core characteristic or unavoidable aspect of something, whereas "simply unequal" suggests the inequality exists but may be circumstantial or remediable.