Word
disparity
Phoneticsdis·par·i·ty, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈspɛɹəti/
UK/dɪspˈæɹɪti/
Definitions
01inequality
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Academic
n. a big difference between groups of people, especially when one group has much more money or power than another.
n. the state of being unequal, particularly regarding socio-economic status, wealth, or opportunity. Often uncountable in this abstract sense.
“There is a huge disparity between the rich and the poor in this city.”
“Economists are concerned that the growing wealth disparity could lead to social instability if the government does not intervene.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'between' or 'in'.
Synonyms
02inconsistency
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a difference between two things that should be the same, like two different reports about the same event.
n. a lack of similarity or equality between two or more facts, figures, or claims. Countable in this sense.
“The accountant found a disparity between the two bank statements.”
“The researchers noted a significant disparity in the results of the two trials, suggesting that the initial data may have been compromised.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“The findings also revealed disparities in access to these learning opportunities.” “Drill down into the detail, however, and the regional disparities are shocking, with the gap between London and the lowest performing areas of the country also at record levels.” Etymology
From Middle French disparité, from Latin disparitātem, accusative of disparitās, from dispār + -tās, from dis- + pār. By surface analysis, dis- + parity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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