unequal distribution

USAGE SUMMARY

"unequal distribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a situation where goods or resources are not shared fairly among people. For example, "The unequal distribution of wealth in the country has caused increasing inequality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the unequal distribution of social resources is not new.

The New Yorker

"Clearly, there is an unequal distribution of public attention".

The New York Times - Sports

Electoral reform would end this unequal distribution of democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mystified economists put the discrepancy down to unequal distribution.

The Economist

But surely Britain's chronically unequal distribution of wealth and power has to be tackled too.

The Guardian

In fact, this country has a more unequal distribution of income than any other advanced country".

The New York Times

The unequal distribution of treats is the great issue of our time.

The New Yorker

The largest corporations and richest citizens long ago learned that if you want to sustain an extremely unequal distribution of wealth and income, you need an equally unequal distribution of political power.

The Guardian - Opinion

The unequal distribution of the gains of Fairtrade (FT) derives in a large part from the characteristics of certification.

The Guardian

A century later, the unequal distribution of land in South Africa is still a big political issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

BUT the differences among the region's countries have become almost as striking as the region's unequal distribution of wealth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "unequal distribution", be specific about what is being distributed (e.g., wealth, resources, opportunities) to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Be mindful that while "unequal distribution" often carries a negative connotation, it isn't always inherently unjust. Sometimes, varying needs or contributions might justify differences in distribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unequal distribution" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or condition where something is not evenly or fairly allocated. As Ludwig confirms, it's a grammatically sound and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unequal distribution" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes an uneven allocation of resources or opportunities. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability. It commonly appears in diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business, and conveys a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being distributed and be mindful that it doesn't always imply injustice. Alternative phrases, such as "disproportionate distribution" or "unjust distribution", can be used to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unjust distribution

This alternative emphasizes the unfairness of the distribution.

disproportionate distribution

This highlights the lack of proper proportion in the distribution.

skewed distribution

This suggests a biased or lopsided distribution.

unbalanced distribution

This indicates a lack of balance or equilibrium in the distribution.

asymmetrical distribution

This highlights the lack of symmetry in the distribution.

inequitable distribution

This term emphasizes the lack of equity in the distribution.

patchy distribution

This suggests a distribution that is uneven and scattered.

unfair distribution

This directly points out the lack of fairness in the distribution.

lopsided distribution

This suggests a distribution that is heavily weighted to one side.

inconsistent distribution

This indicates a distribution that lacks consistency or uniformity.

FAQs

How to use "unequal distribution" in a sentence?

You can use "unequal distribution" to describe how resources or opportunities are not shared evenly among a population. For example, "The report highlighted the "unequal distribution" of educational resources across the city's school districts."

What can I say instead of "unequal distribution"?

Alternatives include "disproportionate distribution", "skewed distribution", or "unjust distribution", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to have an "unequal distribution"?

While often associated with negative consequences, an "unequal distribution" may sometimes reflect varying needs or contributions. It is important to consider the context and underlying reasons before assuming inherent injustice.

What is the difference between "unequal distribution" and "inequality distribution"?

"Unequal distribution" refers to the uneven allocation of resources or opportunities, while "inequality distribution" is a less common, and somewhat redundant, phrasing. Prefer "unequal distribution" for clarity and wider acceptance.