Definition

1. Noun:
   • An unjust act; a grossly unfair or immoral action: "Iniquity" refers to a specific deed or situation that is profoundly unjust or wicked.
   • Morally objectionable behavior; wickedness: It denotes a state or quality of being deeply immoral, sinful, or evil.
   • Absence of moral or spiritual values: This meaning emphasizes a fundamental lack of goodness, righteousness, or virtue.
   • (Archaic) The powers of darkness; evil as a force: In older or religious contexts, it can personify evil itself.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The iniquity of the apartheid system was condemned worldwide. (Refers to the profound injustice of the system.)
  • He was a man who seemed to revel in iniquity. (Describes his engagement in wicked behavior.)
  • The film explores the iniquity that can reside in the human heart. (Refers to the absence of moral values.)
  • (Archaic) They prayed for protection from the forces of iniquity. (Personifies evil as a dark power.)

Advanced Usage

• "Den of iniquity": A place notorious for wicked or immoral activities.

  • The tabloids described the nightclub as a den of iniquity.

• "The iniquity of the fathers": A biblical phrase referring to the consequences of ancestral sin, sometimes interpreted across generations.

  • The sermon discussed the theological concept of the iniquity of the fathers.

Variants and Related Words

• Iniquitous (adjective): Grossly unfair and morally wrong.
  • They rebelled against the iniquitous laws.
• Iniquitously (adverb): In a grossly unfair or wicked manner.
  • The resources were iniquitously distributed.

Synonyms

• Injustice: Lack of fairness or justice.
• Wickedness: The quality of being evil or morally wrong.
• Sinfulness: The state of being characterized by sin.
• Evil: Profound immorality and wickedness.
• Wrong: An unjust, dishonest, or immoral action.

Antonyms

• Righteousness: The quality of being morally right or justifiable.
• Virtue: Behavior showing high moral standards.
• Goodness: The quality of being morally good or virtuous.
• Justice: Just behavior or treatment; fairness.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To bear/purge iniquity: (Often biblical/formal) To suffer the consequences for or atone for sin or wickedness.
  • The scapegoat was a symbol meant to bear the iniquity of the people.

Noun

1. an unjust act
2. morally objectionable behavior
3. absence of moral or spiritual values
   • the powers of darkness