unequal capabilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unequal capabilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals or groups have different levels of skill, ability, or resources. Example: "In a competitive environment, teams with unequal capabilities may struggle to achieve the same level of success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human Resources

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

These exclusionary and discriminatory policies of the past rendered South Africa an 'extreme example of inequity' in every sphere of life, including health care [ 19]; it left post-apartheid South Africa with a health system 'profoundly and explicitly inequitable' [ 20], and characterised by unjust distribution of resources and unequal capabilities and rights [ 21].

Human Resources for Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Several attempts have been made to overcome this separate and unequal development capability culminating today in object-oriented methods.

System Requirements Analysis

Jowell told the Guardian: "Too often when we look at inequality we focus exclusively on the vital issue of asset wealth, but actually just as pernicious is the inequality of capacity and capability – the unequal chances of realising potential.

The Guardian

In this paper, we propose low-density parity-check (LDPC) code design for half-duplex relay networks based on rate compatibility and unequal error protection (UEP) capabilities.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It results in a continuum of inclusion/exclusion characterised by unequal access to resources, capabilities and rights which leads to health inequalities [ 29] The poorest people according to informants were usually not included in group decision making processes either at the family or community level.

Globalization and Health

When male resource holding capability is unequal and linked to mating success, polygyny may pay off for females (see Orians 1969; Borgheroff Mulder 1990; Gibson and Mace 2007).

Behavioral Ecology

In this study, a gender approach aimed to draw attention to the effect of unequal gender relations on girls' capability to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights, and to explore opportunities for strengthening girls' agency, and for challenging gender structures that subordinate young women toward adults and men.

Global Health Action

The disadvantage of FPLT is that when the computational power of processors is largely unequal, a processor might be assigned a task that severely exceeds its capabilities, thus delaying the makespan of the workflow.

Journal of Big Data

The current "minority" groups have been affected by unequal distribution of educational resources and achievement, leaving large gaps in the available workforce with the capability to fill highly technical and health-related jobs.

Huffington Post

Equality of opportunity, to be just, requires a disproportionate provision of public goods and capability resources for those whom history's conquests, and today's political institutions, place in highly unequal initial conditions.

Globalization and Health

Education is unequal, too.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing disparities in group performance, use "unequal capabilities" to highlight that different individuals or groups possess varying levels of ability or resources, impacting their outcomes. For example, "Due to the team's "unequal capabilities", some members completed their tasks more quickly than others".

Common error

Avoid using "unequal capabilities" when you actually mean unequal opportunities. "Capabilities" refer to inherent or developed abilities, while "opportunities" refer to external chances or resources available. Using the wrong term can misrepresent the source of the disparity. The correct usage would be: "The students faced unequal opportunities, hindering their ability to develop equal capabilities".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unequal capabilities" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "unequal" modifies the noun "capabilities". According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly employed to describe disparities in abilities, skills, or resources among individuals or groups.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unequal capabilities" effectively describes disparities in skills, abilities, or resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While not overly frequent, the phrase is common across diverse fields like science, news, and formal business settings. To improve writing, ensure the phrase aligns with the intent of describing inherent or developed abilities and not external opportunities. Alternatives like "disparate abilities" or "varying competencies" can add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disparate abilities

Focuses on the difference in the level of ability between entities.

varying competencies

Highlights the differences in demonstrated skills and knowledge.

imbalanced skill sets

Emphasizes the lack of equilibrium in the range of skills possessed.

uneven aptitude

Indicates a difference in natural talents or potential.

differential capacity

Focuses on the variation in the ability to perform or produce.

unequal skill levels

Highlights the difference in how proficient someone is at a given task.

asymmetrical talents

Emphasizes the lack of symmetry in the distribution of talents.

disproportionate skills

Highlights how skill distribution is not even.

lacking equal potential

Expresses a deficiency in the equivalent opportunities for future development.

uneven distribution of skills

Indicates that capabilities are scattered irregularly.

FAQs

How can "unequal capabilities" affect team dynamics?

When team members have "unequal capabilities", it can lead to some members carrying more of the workload, potentially causing resentment or burnout. Addressing these disparities through training or task reassignment can help balance the team's performance and improve overall morale.

What are some alternative phrases to "unequal capabilities"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "disparate abilities", "varying competencies", or "imbalanced skill sets" to convey similar meanings. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific nuance you want to express.

Is it appropriate to use "unequal capabilities" in a formal setting?

Yes, "unequal capabilities" is appropriate in formal settings, especially when discussing differences in skill or ability levels in a neutral and objective manner. It's commonly used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts to analyze performance disparities.

What's the difference between "unequal capabilities" and "unequal opportunities"?

"Unequal capabilities" refers to differences in inherent skills or developed abilities among individuals. "Unequal opportunities", on the other hand, refers to disparities in access to resources, education, or chances. For instance, a person might have great capabilities but lack "equal opportunities" to utilize them.