inequity

/ɪnˈɛkwədi/

/ɪnˈɛkwɪti/

Other forms: inequities

The noun inequity describes a situation that’s not fair. If you feel, for example, that your brother gets to do whatever he wants while you must follow the rules to the letter, you might rage against inequity.

The prefix in- in inequity means “not” or “opposite of.” Equity, means "justice or fairness." Put it together and you get inequity: something that’s unfair or unjust. The word can be used to describe a wide range of unfair situations, such as an inequity in a school's buying new equipment for the football team while the field hockey team continues to wear uniforms from 1981.

Definitions of inequity

1. noun

   injustice by virtue of not conforming with rules or standards
   synonyms: unfairness

   antonyms:

   equity

   the quality of being fair, reasonable, or impartial

   types:

   gamesmanship

   the use of dubious (although not technically illegal) methods to win a game

   type of:

   injustice, unjustness

   the practice of being unjust or unfair