Definition

Noun: * The right to equivalent opportunities for employment regardless of race, color, sex, or national origin: A policy or principle ensuring that all people are treated fairly and have the same chances for success, particularly in employment and education, without discrimination based on personal characteristics.

Usage

"Equal opportunity" is used as a noun, often functioning as a modifier in phrases like "equal opportunity employer." It describes a fundamental principle of fairness and non-discrimination in social and professional systems.

Examples

• The company prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer.
• Laws were enacted to promote equal opportunity in the workplace.
• Access to quality education is essential for equal opportunity.
• The policy aims to create equal opportunity for all candidates, regardless of their background.

Advanced Usage

• "Equal opportunity offender": A humorous or critical phrase describing someone who insults, criticizes, or treats all groups equally badly, without showing favoritism or bias.
  • The comedian is an equal opportunity offender, making fun of every political party.

Variants and Related Words

• Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE): A designation used by organizations in job postings to state they do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): A specific legal term and framework of laws ensuring fairness in hiring and employment practices.

Synonyms

• Fairness
• Non-discrimination
• Level playing field (idiomatic)

Related Idioms

• "A level playing field": A situation in which everyone has the same opportunities and operates under the same rules.
  • The new regulations are designed to create a level playing field for all businesses.

Noun

1. the right to equivalent opportunities for employment regardless of race or color or sex or national origin