Inequity vs Inequality
What’s the difference between them?
Inequity
Meaning:
Inequity: unfairness or injustice.
Examples:
1. The teachers' inequity in assigning homework was very obvious.
2. The inequity between the two teams was apparent as one had much better equipment than the other.
3. The inequity in pay between genders is still a major issue in many countries.
Inequality
Meaning:
The state or quality of being unequal; lack of equality.
Examples:
1. Inequality of wealth is a major issue in many countries.
2. Inequality based on gender, ethnicity, or other factors is unacceptable.
3. There is an increasing awareness of the need to address inequality in society.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Inequity
1. Injustice
2. Unfairness
3. Disparity
4. Partiality
5. Imbalance
1. Equity
2. Fairness
3. Impartiality
4. Equality
5. Evenhandedness
Inequality
1. Disparity
2. Imbalance
3. Inequitableness
4. Unevenness
1. Equality
2. Fairness
3. Equivalence
4. Evenness
5. Parity
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Inequity", "Inequality".
1. Inequality refers to disparities in a quantitative sense, such as disparities in income, wealth, or other measures of advantage.
2. In contrast, inequity refers to disparities in a qualitative sense, such as disparities in access to resources or opportunities.
3. Pay attention to the context of the words: Inequality is typically used in terms of quantitative data, while inequity is typically used in terms of qualitative data.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
In the context of inequity, the term should be used to refer to unfair or unjust circumstances or situations. This can include issues of discrimination in the workplace, unequal access to resources, and the like.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
Inequality is most often used to describe disparities in outcomes or opportunities between different groups of people. This can include things like disparities in income, education, or access to healthcare.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words have different pronunciations. Inequity is pronounced 'ihn-eh-kwuh-tee' and inequality is pronounced 'ihn-eh-kwuhl-i-tee'.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
Often, people mistakenly think that inequity and inequality are interchangeable terms. In reality, inequity refers to unfair situations, while inequality refers to disparities in outcomes or opportunities. Additionally, some people mistakenly pronounce the words the same, when in fact, they have different pronunciations.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The gender wage gap is a major issue of _______ in many countries.
2. The activist gave a passionate speech about the social _______ he witnessed in his community.
3. Economic _______ can lead to larger divisions between the rich and the poor.
4. Many people protest against the _______ in the criminal justice system.
5. The distribution of resources highlighted the _______ between the two regions.
6. The teacher tried to address the _______ in educational opportunities for her students.
1. Answer: inequality
Explanation: The gender wage gap refers to a state where the wages between genders are unequal, so inequality fits better.
2. Answer: inequity
Explanation: The term social often refers to matters of justice or fairness in society, making inequity (unfairness or injustice) the suitable term.
3. Answer: inequality
Explanation: This sentence refers to divisions in economic status, indicating a lack of equality. Therefore, inequality is the more appropriate term.
4. Answer: inequity
Explanation: The criminal justice system is often associated with matters of justice and fairness, so inequity (unfairness or injustice) is the better fit.
5. Answer: inequality
Explanation: The context is about distribution, which indicates a lack of equality between two regions. Hence, inequality is the correct choice.
6. Answer: inequity
Explanation: Educational opportunities often pertain to matters of fairness and justice, making inequity the suitable term.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.