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“There is a significant disparity in income between the rich and the poor in many countries.”
The gap between the earnings of wealthy and impoverished individuals is large.
A lack of equality or similarity, especially in a way that is unfair.
The disparity in healthcare access between urban and rural areas is alarming.
The difference in healthcare availability between cities and countryside is very concerning.
Educational disparities often stem from socioeconomic factors.
Inequalities in education are frequently caused by differences in wealth and social status.
Used to describe differences that are significant and often unjust, such as in opportunities, resources, or treatment.
Disparity is typically followed by 'between' when referring to two groups (e.g., 'disparity between men and women') or 'in' when referring to a system or context (e.g., 'disparity in education').
Do not use 'disparity' for minor or neutral differences. It implies a significant and often unfair gap.
From Latin *disparitas*, meaning 'inequality' or 'difference', derived from *dispar* (unequal), combining *dis-* (apart, away) and *par* (equal). The word entered English in the late 16th century, primarily in legal and philosophical contexts.
Disparity is often used in formal contexts to highlight unjust or problematic differences. It implies a qualitative judgment rather than a neutral observation of difference. Avoid using it for small or trivial differences.