What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discrimination
Example
The company was accused of discrimination against women in their hiring practices. [discrimination: noun]
Example
She felt discriminated against because of her ethnicity. [discriminated: verb]
inequality
Example
There is a significant inequality in access to healthcare between urban and rural areas. [inequality: noun]
Example
The government is working to reduce income inequality through tax reforms. [inequality: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Discrimination is more commonly used than inequality in everyday language, as it is a more specific and recognizable term. However, inequality is a more complex and nuanced concept that is often discussed in academic and policy circles.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discrimination and inequality?
Discrimination and inequality are both formal terms that are commonly used in academic, legal, and policy contexts. However, discrimination may have a stronger negative connotation and be associated with more emotional or charged language.