B2 noun Neutral

불평등

/pultpʰjʌŋdɯŋ/

A state of being unfair or not having the same rights, opportunities, or status as others. Often used in social and economic contexts.

Examples

3 of 5
1

경제적 불평등은 범죄율 증가와 관련이 있다.

Economic inequality is related to an increase in crime rates.

2

성별에 따른 불평등을 해소하기 위한 법안이 통과되었다.

A bill to resolve gender inequality was passed.

3

사회적 불평등은 민주주의의 발전을 저해한다.

Social inequality hinders the development of democracy.

Word Family

Noun
불평등
Adjective
불평등하다
💡

Memory Tip

Bul (Not) + Pyeong-deung (Equal) = Not equal.

Quick Quiz

정부는 빈부 ___ 문제를 해결하기 위해 세금 제도를 개편했다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 불평등

Examples

1

경제적 불평등은 범죄율 증가와 관련이 있다.

academic

Economic inequality is related to an increase in crime rates.

2

성별에 따른 불평등을 해소하기 위한 법안이 통과되었다.

business

A bill to resolve gender inequality was passed.

3

사회적 불평등은 민주주의의 발전을 저해한다.

formal

Social inequality hinders the development of democracy.

4

세상은 왜 이렇게 불평등한 걸까?

informal

Why is the world so unequal?

5

기회의 불평등은 청년들에게 좌절감을 준다.

everyday

Inequality of opportunity gives young people a sense of frustration.

Word Family

Noun
불평등
Adjective
불평등하다

Common Collocations

소득 불평등 income inequality
성 불평등 gender inequality
불평등 해소 resolving inequality
기회의 불평등 inequality of opportunity
구조적 불평등 structural inequality

Common Phrases

불평등이 심화되다

inequality is deepening

불평등을 느끼다

to feel inequality

불평등을 겪다

to experience inequality

Often Confused With

불평등 vs 불공평

'불공평' is used for general unfairness (e.g., in a game), while '불평등' is used for systemic or social inequality.

📝

Usage Notes

Frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays on poverty, society, or globalization.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Don't use '불평등' for a simple bad feeling; use '불만' (dissatisfaction) instead.

💡

Memory Tip

Bul (Not) + Pyeong-deung (Equal) = Not equal.

📖

Word Origin

From Sino-Korean 不 (not) and 平等 (equal).

Grammar Patterns

~의 불평등 불평등이 심하다

Quick Quiz

정부는 빈부 ___ 문제를 해결하기 위해 세금 제도를 개편했다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 불평등

More sociology words

상호교류

B2

The act of giving and receiving something (ideas, culture, goods) between two or more parties. It emphasizes a two-way relationship or exchange.

상생하다

B2

To live together in a way that benefits both parties; to achieve mutual prosperity or a win-win relationship.

기폭제

B2

A substance used to ignite an explosive, but metaphorically, something that triggers or accelerates a significant change or event. It is a powerful word to describe the start of a revolution, movement, or trend.

부추기다

B2

To instigate or encourage someone to behave in a certain way, or to worsen a situation. It usually has a negative connotation of inciting bad behavior or trends.

집단주의

B2

The practice of giving priority to the goals of a group (such as a family, company, or nation) over the goals of each individual.

아우르다

B2

To encompass, include, or embrace a wide range of things or people together. It often suggests creating harmony among diverse elements.

수용

B1

The act of accepting or receiving ideas, criticism, or people. It can also refer to the accommodation of people in a facility.

고정관념

B2

A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. It is often resistant to change even when presented with new information.

고착화하다

B2

To become fixed or solidified in a specific state, pattern, or habit, making it very difficult to change.

관습

B2

A long-established practice or custom within a society or group. It refers to traditional ways of behaving that have been passed down through generations.

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