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Webster 1913 Edition

Inequality

Inˊe-qual′i-ty

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Inequalities
(#)
.
[L.
inaequalitas
.]
1.
The quality of being unequal; difference, or lack of equality, in any respect; lack of uniformity; disproportion; unevenness; disparity; diversity;
as, an
inequality
in size, stature, numbers, power, distances, motions, rank, property, etc.
There is so great an
inequality
in the length of our legs and arms as makes it impossible for us to walk on all four.
Ray.
Notwithstanding which
inequality
of number, it was resolved in a council of war to fight the Dutch fleet.
Ludlow.
Sympathy is rarely strong where there is a great
inequality
of condition.
Macaulay.
2.
Unevenness; lack of levelness; the alternate rising and falling of a surface;
as, the
inequalities
of the surface of the earth, or of a marble slab, etc.
The country is cut into so many hills and
inequalities
as renders it defensible.
Addison.
3.
Variableness; changeableness; inconstancy; lack of smoothness or equability; deviation; unsteadiness, as of the weather, feelings, etc.
Inequality
of air is ever an enemy to health.
Bacon.
4.
Disproportion to any office or purpose; inadequacy; competency;
as, the
inequality
of terrestrial things to the wants of a rational soul
.
South.
5.
(Alg.)
An expression consisting of two unequal quantities, with the sign of inequality (> or <) between them;
as, the
inequality
2 < 3, or 4 > 1
.
6.
(Astron.)
An irregularity, or a deviation, in the motion of a planet or satellite from its uniform mean motion; the amount of such deviation.

Webster 1828 Edition

Inequality

INEQUAL'ITY

,
Noun.
[L. inoequalitas; in and oequalis, equal.]
1.
Difference or want of equality in degree, quantity, length, or quality of any kind; the state of not having equal measure, degree, dimensions or amount; as an inequality in size or stature; an inequality of number or of power; inequality of distances or of motions.
2.
Unevenness; want of levelness; the alternate rising and falling of a surface; as the inequalities of the surface of the earth, or of a marble slab.
3.
Disproportion to any office or purpose inadequacy; incompetency; as the inequality of terrestrial things to the wants of a rational soul.
4.
Diversity; want of uniformity in different times or places, as the inequality of air or temperature.
5.
Difference of rank, station or condition; as the inequalities of men in society; inequalities of rank or property.

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