What’s the Difference Between Discrepancy and Disparity?

These two nouns are similar in meaning. Both refer to contrasts (differences) and both carry negative connotations.

A discrepancy is a negative difference between what is expected and the reality— between what you asked for and what you got:

The contractor charged us more money than we expected and did not explain the discrepancy.

A disparity is also a negative difference—“a lack of equality”:

The disparity in incomes between black and white families in America is a problem.

Although these examples refer to issues of fairness, these words can also be used to talk about purely abstract discrepancies and disparities, such as between calculations and measurements.

It may help to remember the meaning of disparity if you are also familiar with the word parity, which means “equality.” Disparity means “away from equality.”

More Examples of How to Use "Discrepancy" in a Sentence

1. There was a huge discrepancy between what the company reported and what the actual sales figures were.
2. The discrepancy between the study group and the control group was not significant, so researchers put a pause on further trials.
3. I was denied the loan because of the discrepancy between my income and my spending, according to the bank.
4. The new accountant noticed concerning discrepancies in the numbers when he analyzed the company’s financial records.
5. Unfortunately, there is a discrepancy between my goals and my abilities, so I need to spend more time studying.
6. Discrepancies in the data made the survey's results unreliable.
7. I was fired because of the discrepancy between my work schedule and the hours they had recorded me working.
8. Discrepancies in the research findings raise serious questions, especially when you look at the way the results were reported in the media.

More Examples of How to Use "Disparity" in a Sentence

1. The disparity between rich and poor is widening.
2. There is a sad disparity between the rise of prices and the rise of wages.
3. Disparities also exist in the criminal justice system, where minorities are more likely to be arrested and incarcerated, even when they commit the same crimes as those in the majority group.
4. We need to find ways to reduce this disparity so that all members of society have an opportunity to succeed.
5. Joanna asked why there was such a wide disparity in the salaries between our CEO and the rest of the employees.
6. The issue of class disparity and wage inequality continues to spark debate, with no simple solutions.