equality

equality — noun

1. the principle that all members of a society should share the same rights, opport

1.nounB2
Definition

the principle that all members of a society should share the same rights, opportunities, and treatment, regardless of their background, gender, race, or beliefs

Example

The new law guarantees equality for all citizens regardless of their gender.

guarantees equality for [group]

Aylin believes that true equality means everyone gets the same opportunities in life.

Common collocations
  • racial equality
  • gender equality
  • social equality
  • pay equality
  • equality of opportunity
  • fight for equality
  • achieve equality
  • promote equality
  • equality for all
Synonyms
  • fairness

    broader term focusing on just and reasonable treatment rather than strict sameness

  • justice

    adds a legal and moral dimension; what is right and deserved by law

  • equity

    recognises that different groups may need different support to reach the same outcome

Antonyms
  • inequality

    the direct opposite; unfair differences in status, rights, or opportunities

  • discrimination

    unfair treatment of specific groups, often on grounds of race, gender, or age

Grammar Patterns

equality + for + group

equality + of + noun

equality + between + groups

Usage Note

Often used with modifiers such as racial, gender, social, or economic to specify the area of life being discussed. Frequently appears in the pattern 'equality of + noun' (e.g. equality of opportunity).

Common Mistakes

Equality means everyone must be the same.
Equality means everyone has the same rights and opportunities.
equality is about fairness and treatment, not about people being identical.

2. the state of two or more things being exactly alike in size, amount, value, or l

2.nounB2
Definition

the state of two or more things being exactly alike in size, amount, value, or level — for example, when two teams have the same number of points or when two quantities in an equation are equal

Example

The two teams finished the season with equality in points, so they shared the trophy.

equality in [measure]

In mathematics, the equals sign shows the equality of two numbers or expressions.

Common collocations
  • equality of scores
  • equality in points
  • mathematical equality
  • equality of opportunity
  • equality of outcome
  • equality between X and Y
Synonyms
  • sameness

    more direct and informal; best for everyday comparisons

  • equivalence

    more formal; often used in logic, mathematics, or formal comparisons

  • parity

    technical term common in economics, sports, and computing

Antonyms
  • difference

    general opposite; a lack of sameness in value or quantity

  • imbalance

    unequal distribution or proportion between two sides

Grammar Patterns

equality + of + plural noun

equality + in + noun

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 1 (SOCIAL RIGHTS): sense 1 discusses fairness and legal treatment, while sense 2 is about sameness in measurable or comparable terms such as numbers, amounts, or levels.

Common Mistakes

The equality of 2 + 2 and 4' (unnatural without context).
The equation shows the equality of 2 + 2 and 4.
this sense usually appears with 'of' in a larger phrase or clause.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words relate to how people should be treated, but they differ in focus. Equality emphasises sameness of treatment and outcome — everyone receives precisely the same thing. Fairness is broader and more situational: it means treating people in a way that is appropriate and just, which may not mean identical treatment. Justice adds a strong legal and moral dimension — what is right and deserved according to rules or ethics. Equity recognises that different people may need different levels of support to reach the same result. For example: giving every student the same exam is equality; giving extra time to students with learning disabilities is equity; ensuring the exam system is free from bias is justice. A society that aims for fairness may need to balance all three concepts.

equality ↗fairness ↗justice ↗equity ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • equality of opportunity
  • equality before the law
  • equality of outcome
  • racial equality
  • gender equality

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Comes from Latin aequalitas, based on aequus meaning 'level, even, fair'. It entered English through Old French equalité in the 1300s, carrying the general meaning of 'sameness in size, number, or quality'. The social and political sense became prominent during the Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries, when thinkers argued that all people are born equal in rights and dignity.