Inequality

noun (countable and uncountable; plural: inequalities)

/ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/

The uneven distribution of resources, opportunities, income, or social status among individuals or groups within a society, resulting in disparities in living standards and life outcomes.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

Persistent inequality in access to quality education and healthcare entrenches intergenerational poverty, hollowing out the constitutional promise of equality of opportunity enshrined in the Directive Principles.

Synonyms

disparityinequityimbalanceunevennessdisproportionasymmetry

Antonyms

equalityparityequityuniformity

🌱 Word Family

inequitable (adj), inequitably (adv), unequal (adj), inequalities (n pl), inequality (n)

🔡 Root

Latin in- = not; aequālitās = equality; aequālis = equal; via Old French inequalite

📜 Etymology

From Middle English, from Old French inequalite, from Latin inaequālitās, from in- ("not") + aequālitās ("equality"), from aequālis ("equal").

🧠 Memory Hook

IN- (not) + EQUAL + -ITY: literally the state of being "not equal" — picture an uneven see-saw where one side ("in") stays grounded while the other floats up.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Mains 2021 · GS2 · 10 marks — Governance
Mains 2020 · GS4 · 10 marks — Ethics and Human Interface

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Inequality” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

👥 Society 📖 Seen in: Social Issues in India: Poverty, Women...

Tip: press Alt+S to hear pronunciation