desigualdad

/desiɣwalˈðað/
inequality

La desigualdad de ingresos es un problema grave.

Income inequality is a serious problem.


formal

The state of being unequal in status, rights, opportunities, or resources.

La desigualdad social afecta a millones de personas.

Social inequality affects millions of people.

Often used in political and academic discourse regarding social justice.

Law
formal

Lack of equality in legal rights or treatment under the law.

La Constitución prohíbe la desigualdad ante la ley.

The Constitution prohibits inequality before the law.

Refers to discriminatory practices or unequal application of justice.

Finance
formal

Disparity in wealth, income, or economic power.

La desigualdad económica ha aumentado en la última década.

Economic inequality has increased in the last decade.

Commonly discussed in economics regarding wealth distribution.

Collocations

desigualdad socialsocial inequalitydesigualdad de génerogender inequalitydesigualdad económicaeconomic inequalityluchar contra la desigualdadfight against inequality

Pro Tip

Common Collocations

Memorize 'desigualdad social' and 'desigualdad de género' as fixed phrases, as they are the most frequent uses in news and academic texts.

Gold Rule

Adjective vs. Noun

Use 'desigual' (adj) to describe things (e.g., 'un trato desigual'), and 'desigualdad' (noun) to name the concept (e.g., 'la desigualdad es mala').

Word Origin

From Old French 'desigualté', derived from 'des-' (opposite of) + 'igual' (equal) + '-dad' (state/condition).

Usage Notes

A formal noun used in serious contexts. Do not confuse with 'desigual' (adjective).

Word Breakdown

des-
not / opposite of
prefix
+
igual
equal
root
+
-dad
-ity / state of being
suffix
Diccionario Español-Inglés