Definitions for: Inequality


[n] lack of equality; "the growing inequality between rich and poor"



Webster (1913) Definition: In`e*qual"i*ty, n.; pl. Inequalities. [L.
inaequalitas.]
1. The quality of being unequal; difference, or want of
equality, in any respect; lack of uniformity;
disproportion; unevenness; disparity; diversity; as, an
inequality in size, stature, numbers, power, distances,
motions, rank, property, etc.

There is so great an inequality in the length of our
legs and arms as makes it impossible for us to walk
on all four. --Ray.

Notwithstanding which inequality of number, it was
resolved in a council of war to fight the Dutch
fleet. --Ludlow.

Sympathy is rarely strong where there is a great
inequality of condition. --Macaulay.

2. Unevenness; want of levelness; the alternate rising and
falling of a surface; as, the inequalities of the surface
of the earth, or of a marble slab, etc.

The country is cut into so many hills and
inequalities as renders it defensible. --Addison.

3. Variableness; changeableness; inconstancy; lack of
smoothness or equability; deviation; unsteadiness, as of
the weather, feelings, etc.

Inequality of air is ever an enemy to health.
--Bacon.

4. Disproportion to any office or purpose; inadequacy;
competency; as, the inequality of terrestrial things to
the wants of a rational soul. --South.

5. (Alg.) An expression consisting of two unequal quantities,
with the sign of inequality (.gt. or .lt.) between them;
as, the inequality 2 .lt. 3, or 4 .gt. 1.

6. (Astron.) An irregularity, or a deviation, in the motion
of a planet or satellite from its uniform mean motion; the
amount of such deviation.

Antonyms: equality

See Also: difference, disparity, nonequivalence, unevenness

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