What does iniquity mean?
Iniquity denotes serious injustice, moral corruption, or wrongdoing, especially when it is entrenched in social, political, or legal institutions. The word carries a strongly condemnatory tone and is commonly used in discussions of social inequality, abuses of power, discrimination, and corruption. It may refer either to an entire pattern of injustice or to an individual wicked act, although its implications are usually broader and more serious than those of a single moral failing. Iniquity is more forceful and elevated than words such as “unfairness” or “wrongdoing,” and it often appears in formal writing, political commentary, legal history, and moral argument. The related adjective “iniquitous” describes something fundamentally unjust or wicked. Together, these words belong to a formal vocabulary associated with equity, equality, and the moral condemnation of unfair treatment.
nounIniquity means extreme injustice, immorality, or wrongdoing. It can also refer to a particular instance of cruel, unfair, or wicked behaviour.
- Extreme injustice, immorality, or wrongdoing, especially when it is widespread or systematic.
- A particular cruel, unfair, or wicked act.
"The inquiry exposed the iniquities of a system that treated the poorest applicants with the greatest severity."
"The report described decades of institutional iniquity against Indigenous communities."
"The character in the novel condemns the iniquities of the corrupt judge."
Usually used for individual instances or multiple acts of injustice or wrongdoing.
"The court catalogue records numerous iniquities committed under the regime."
Iniquity has the uncommon distinction of sounding almost like the word “iniquity” while meaning a serious moral wrong.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does iniquity come from?
The word entered Middle English through Old French iniquite, from Latin iniquitas, “unfairness” or “injustice.” Its ultimate source is Latin iniquus, formed from in- meaning “not” and aequus meaning “equal,” so the original sense was associated with inequality and unfairness. Latin iniquitas later developed through Old French into the modern English noun, whose sense eventually broadened from legal or social unfairness to encompass serious moral wrongdoing.
Related word forms
How iniquity is actually used
The word has a strongly formal and condemnatory tone. It is more emphatic than “unfairness” and often suggests wrongdoing that violates moral principles or operates through an unjust system.
Easily confused with iniquity
Inequity usually denotes an unfair or disproportionate outcome, whereas iniquity more strongly suggests grave, systematic injustice or moral wrongdoing.