Word
equitable
Phoneticseq·ui·table
US/ˈɛkwətəbəɫ/
UK/ˈɛkwɪtəbəl/
Definitions
01fair and impartial
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. treating everyone in a fair and equal way.
adj. characterized by fairness and impartiality; ensuring that all parties receive what is just.
“The company promised an equitable distribution of profits among all its employees.”
“The mediator worked tirelessly to ensure an equitable settlement that addressed the grievances of both the workers and the management.”
Pitfall
The two groups reached an equal agreement.
The two groups reached an equitable agreement.
Use 'equal' for identical amounts; use 'equitable' when the arrangement is fair to both sides even if the amounts differ.
02legal equity
C2 · Proficiency Law Formal · Technical
adj. relating to a specific part of the law that focuses on fairness rather than just strict rules.
adj. pertaining to the system of equity in law, which supplements statutory law to provide justice where strict legal rules might be too harsh.
“The judge looked for an equitable remedy because the standard law was too strict.”
“The claimant sought an equitable injunction to prevent the developer from destroying the historic landmark before the trial began.”
Usage
In legal contexts, this often refers to 'Equity' as a distinct body of law from 'Common Law'.
Real-World Examples
“There is a risk that political, professional and media debate will deflect attention from the central priority: delivering safe and equitable care based on robust evidence and genuine partnership with women and families.” “The UN is both using AI to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and working to ensure it is safe, equitable and inclusive.” Etymology
From French équitable, from Old French, from equité (“equity”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/equitable