What does equality mean?
Equality is a noun denoting the state or quality of being equal — having the same value, measure, status, rights, or treatment as another. It appears most prominently in social and political discourse, where phrases such as 'equality before the law', 'racial equality', and 'gender equality' express the ideal that all people deserve the same standing and opportunities regardless of background. Beyond this moral and civic sense, the word also serves in mathematics and logic to describe equivalence in value or expression between quantities. Derived from the Latin 'aequalitas', built on 'aequalis' meaning 'level' or 'even', it entered English via Old French in the medieval period and has since become one of the most consequential words in modern political language, anchoring declarations of rights and constitutional guarantees worldwide. Its connotations are overwhelmingly positive in civic contexts, where it functions less as a neutral description than as a principle to be pursued.
nounThe state or quality of being equal; the condition of having the same value, status, rights, or measure as something or someone else.
- The state of being equal in status, rights, or opportunities, especially between people or groups (social and political equality).
- The state of being equal in quantity, value, or degree (mathematical or general equivalence).
"The constitution guarantees equality before the law for all citizens."
"The movement campaigned tirelessly for gender equality in the workplace."
"In mathematics, we test the equality of two expressions by simplifying both sides."
Rarely used in the plural except when referring to multiple distinct instances of equality across different domains or comparisons.
"The report examined equalities across income, education, and healthcare access."
The word 'equality' entered English in the 1300s, centuries before most people could vote — it took the language over five hundred years to catch up with its own vocabulary.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of equality
Equality derives from the Latin noun 'aequalitas' (state of being level or even), itself formed from 'aequalis' meaning 'uniform' or 'level', from 'aequus' meaning 'even' or 'fair'. The word passed into English through Old French 'equalite' in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century. It shares its Latin root with cognates such as 'equator', 'adequate', 'equate', and 'equilibrium', all ultimately tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *ekwos- meaning 'even' or 'flat'.
Related word forms
How equality is actually used
Equality is a formal-to-neutral noun common in political, legal, social, and mathematical discourse. In social contexts it carries strong positive connotations as an ideal or goal. It is typically used as an uncountable mass noun ('the pursuit of equality'), though it can take an indefinite article when qualified ('a rough equality between the two sides').
Easily confused with equality
Equity refers to fairness and justice in outcomes or treatment, often taking differing needs into account, whereas equality means giving everyone the same treatment, status, or resources.