Meaning & use
iniquities
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“iniquities” is a form of “iniquity”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounpluralformalliterary
very unfair or wicked acts, especially ones that harm other people.
Grammar: Always plural here; the singular is 'iniquity' and refers to one such act or to the quality of being wicked.
Patterns
- the iniquities of something
- suffer for the iniquities of someone
The report described the iniquities of a system that punished the poor.
Many of the iniquities of the old regime were finally admitted.
He spoke about the iniquities suffered by workers in the factories.
nounpluralformalreligion
wicked or immoral behavior in general, especially in religious writing.
Grammar: Used in a religious or moral context; the singular 'iniquity' is more common for the general idea of sin.
Patterns
- a life of iniquities
- forgive someone their iniquities
The preacher warned that their iniquities would be punished.
She prayed for forgiveness for her iniquities.
The psalm speaks of a people weighed down by their own iniquities.
Word forms
| singular | iniquity |
|---|
Common combinations
- the iniquities of the system
- The novel exposes the iniquities of the legal system.
- suffer iniquities
- The villagers suffered terrible iniquities under the occupation.
- forgive iniquities
- He asked God to forgive his iniquities.
- a life of iniquity
- He had lived a life of iniquity before he changed.
Synonyms and how they differ
- wickedness
- More general and less formal; it describes the quality of being evil rather than particular unfair acts.
- injustice
- Focuses on unfairness rather than moral evil, and is common in everyday and legal writing.
- wrongdoing
- A neutral, modern word for bad or illegal acts; 'iniquities' sounds old and religious.
Opposites
Word family
- iniquity noun
- One wicked or unfair act, or the state of being wicked.
- iniquitous adjective
- Very unfair or wicked; a formal word.
- iniquitously adverb
- In a wicked or unfair way; very formal.
Commonly confused: iniquities or inequities?
iniquities vs inequities
Sounds similar but means unfair differences or inequalities, not moral wickedness. 'Iniquities' is about evil; 'inequities' is about imbalance.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'iniquities' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Iniquities' means wicked or unfair acts, so it fits a report about a prison system. The other options use it where 'details', 'angles' or 'items' would be meant.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “iniquities”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.