Words / C1

di-SPAR-uh-tee/dɪˈspærəti/

A disparity is a large, often unfair gap between groups or figures. Native social-science writing prefers income disparity, health disparities. Difference is neutral and can be tiny; inequality stresses injustice; gap is more informal. Disparate is the adjective for things that are strikingly unlike.

Meaning

A large difference, especially an unfair one.

Examples

• “There is a disparity in pay between the two jobs.”
• “The study highlights a disparity in exam access between rural and urban schools.”
• “Pay disparity widened after the reform.”

Good to know

a disparity in/between. Neutral: difference. Unfair gap: inequality. adjective: disparate.

Near in meaning

gap

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