noun · academic

inequality

UK/ˌɪnɪˈkwɒlɪti/US/ˌɪnɪˈkwɑːlɪti/in·e·QUAL·i·ty

Band 5-6speakingtask2

A situation where things are not equal, especially in society (for example, income, opportunities or rights).

Examples

Economic inequality has become a major topic in political debates.

Policies to reduce gender inequality often focus on education and pay.

Inequality between regions can slow national development.

Band 8 sentence

Addressing structural economic inequality requires redistributive policies, targeted education reforms and long‑term investment in disadvantaged regions.

Collocations

  • economic inequality
  • gender inequality
  • reduce inequality

Word family

inequality nouninequalities noun (plural)unequal adjective

Common mistakes

differenceinequality

unequalnessinequality

Say it for a higher band

5difference6gap7+inequality

Synonyms

disparity

gap

Easily confused

gap

There is a growing gap between rich and poor in the city.

Related words

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In Society & Government

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