Definition

Describing a situation or system that allows for or supports differences in social, economic, or political status among people.

Example

The policies of the government were criticized for being inegalitarian, as they favored the wealthy over the poor.

Conversation

I read an article about how our society is becoming more inegalitarian.

Really? That sounds alarming; what did it say?

It mentioned how the wealth gap is growing and affecting everyone.

That's frustrating; we need to address these inegalitarian structures.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Inegalitarian → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "egalitarian" (from French *égalitaire*, meaning equal). The word describes a state or belief that is not equal or promotes inequality.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being combined with 'equal' ('égalitaire') to remember that 'inegalitarian' refers to something that promotes inequality.

Visually Confused Words