Iniquity
/ɪˈnɪkwɪti/
nounC2
Definition
Iniquity is a strong word used to describe actions or behavior that are very wrong, unfair, or evil. It often refers to serious moral mistakes or sins that harm others or break important rules about right and wrong.
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See It in Action
Very unfair or immoral behavior or action
- •The iniquity of slavery caused great suffering in history.
- •People spoke out against the iniquity of corruption in the government.
- •The story showed the iniquity of greed and selfishness.
A serious moral wrong or sin (often in religious texts)
- •The preacher warned about the consequences of iniquity.
- •Iniquity leads people away from a good and honest life.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "iniquity" like "bad" (A1 word), but MUCH stronger and connected to deep unfairness or evil, not just small mistakes.
- ✓Picture a dark shadow covering a bright, clean place—this shadow is the iniquity hiding goodness.
- ✓It's the feeling when you see someone treated very unfairly or when something very wrong happens that hurts people.
- ✓Sounds like "in-QUICK-ity" → imagine a quick, sharp sting that hurts deeply because it is unfair or evil.
- ✓In stories, villains often commit acts of iniquity that cause suffering to others.
- ✓NOT like "mistake" (small, accidental), iniquity is a serious, often intentional wrongdoing.
- ✓NOT like "crime" (legal breaking of law), iniquity focuses more on moral or ethical wrongs, not just legal issues.
- ✓NOT like "sin" (religious wrong), but very similar; iniquity is often used in religious or formal contexts to mean great moral wrong.
Try Other Words
- •Evil: very bad or harmful behavior (Use when emphasizing moral badness or harm)
- •Wickedness: very bad and morally wrong behavior (Use in formal or religious contexts)
- •Immorality: not following moral rules (Use when focusing on breaking moral or ethical codes)
- •Sin: religiously wrong action (Use in religious contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "in-" (not) + root "iquity" from Latin "iniquus" meaning unfair or uneven
- •Etymology: From Latin "iniquitas," meaning unfairness or injustice
- •Historical development: Used since Middle English to describe deep unfairness or moral wrong
- •Modern usage: Mainly used in formal, religious, or literary contexts to describe serious moral wrongs or unfair acts
Reflect & Connect
•How do you decide when behavior is just "wrong" and when it is "iniquity"?
•Can iniquity happen in everyday life, or is it only for very serious situations? Why?
Fill in the blanks
1.The judge spoke strongly against the iniquity ___ in the corrupt system.
2.Iniquity often causes ___ feelings of anger and sadness among people.
3.Unlike a simple mistake, iniquity usually involves ___ or intentional harm.
4.The story described the iniquity of those who ___ others for their own gain.
5.People who commit iniquity often face ___ from their community or society.
6.In religious texts, iniquity is often linked with ___ and punishment.
7.The iniquity in the novel showed how ___ can destroy trust and peace.