Disparity
/dɪˈspærəti/
Definitions
A great difference or inequality.
/dɪˈspærəti/
Lack of similarity or equality; inequality.
The disparity in wealth between the two countries was striking.
💡 Simply: Imagine two groups of kids: some have lots of toys and some have none. Disparity means there's a big difference between what they have. Like, 'The toy disparity was unfair!'
👶 For kids: When things are very different and not fair, that's disparity.
More Examples
There is a growing disparity in the quality of education available to different socioeconomic groups.
The report highlighted the gender disparity in leadership roles within the company.
How It's Used
"The study examined the economic disparity between the rich and the poor."
"There is a significant wage disparity between men and women in this industry."
"Health disparities are prevalent in under-served communities."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
wage disparity
The difference in pay between different groups of people, such as men and women, or different ethnic groups.
"The company is working to eliminate the wage disparity between male and female employees."
economic disparity
The difference in wealth and income between different groups in a society or between different societies.
"Economic disparity is a major problem in many developing countries."
From Latin *dispar* ('unequal'), from *dis-* ('apart') + *par* ('equal').
The word 'disparity' has been used since the 16th century to describe a lack of equality or a significant difference.
Memory tip
Think of a 'dis-pair-ity' - things that aren't a pair, like one thing is bigger/better than the other.
Word Origin
"unequal"