desigualdad
/desiɡwalˈdad/feminine
The English word "inequality" is translated into Spanish as desigualdad.
desigualdad is a noun used to describe a state that is unfair, not equal.
Meaning: unfair, not equal, state (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix des- (meaning un- or dis-), the root igual (meaning equal) and the suffix -dad (which is the equivalent of the English suffix -ity).
Which one should you use?
The adjective form of the noun is desigual.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, disparidad may be used to refer to inequality. In Spain, an alternative translation for the term is desequilibrio.
How does it change in a sentence?
desigualdad is a feminine noun, so it is used with the feminine article la (e.g., la desigualdad). The plural form is desigualdades.
How do you pronounce it?
/desiɡwalˈdad/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the concept of 'inequality' is often expressed through the word brecha, which literally means 'gap' or 'breach'. This is commonly seen in the term brecha salarial to describe the gender pay gap.
- The root igual shares a Latin ancestor with the English word 'equinox', which literally means 'equal night'.
- The word disparidad is often preferred over desigualdad in Latin American statistical reports and formal academic papers to describe economic gaps.
Examples in context
- La confrontación social irá en aumento si continúa la desigualdad.Social conflict will increase if inequality continues.This sentence shows the use of desigualdad in a social context.Tatoeba #7865509 by Seael, translation #12228694 by Miktsoanit
- El desarrollo desarrolla la desigualdad.Development develops inequality.This sentence illustrates how development can lead to desigualdad.Tatoeba #2740563 by nancy, translation #12228693 by Miktsoanit
- La desigualdad absoluta también es corrosiva para nuestro ideal democrático.Stark inequality is also corrosive to our democratic ideal.This sentence demonstrates how desigualdad can affect democratic ideals.Tatoeba #8302072 by GuidoW, translation #5761662 by Hybrid
- La desigualdad económica es un desafío crucial en nuestra sociedad.Economic inequality is a crucial challenge in our society.
- La profunda desigualdad de género persiste en muchos países.Profound gender inequality persists in many countries.
- Hay mucho desbalance en la distribución de la riqueza en este país.There is a lot of inequality in the distribution of wealth in this country.
- La disparidad entre ricos y pobres es evidente en esta ciudad.The disparity between the rich and the poor is evident in this city.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a news report about the economy.
- MateoLa desigualdad de ingresos es un gran problema.Income inequality is a big problem.
- ElenaSí, la desigualdad afecta a muchas familias.Yes, inequality affects many families.
- MateoEs necesario crear leyes más justas.It is necessary to create fairer laws.
- ElenaTienes razón, Mateo.You are right, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “inequality” translations and entries desigualdad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
