igualdad
nounCEFR B2
What does “igualdad” mean in English?
equality
equality (the state of being equal in rights, status, or opportunities; igualdad de género / de oportunidades)
Example sentences
La igualdad de oportunidades entre hombres y mujeres sigue siendo una meta pendiente en muchos ámbitos del mercado laboral.
Equality of opportunity between men and women remains an unmet goal in many areas of the labour market.
El principio de igualdad ante la ley es uno de los pilares del Estado de derecho moderno.
The principle of equality before the law is one of the pillars of the modern rule of law.
Las políticas de igualdad de género han avanzado en la legislación, aunque no siempre en la práctica cotidiana.
Gender equality policies have advanced in legislation, though not always in everyday practice.
How to use it
La igualdad (noun, feminine) means 'equality' — the state of being equal in rights, status, or opportunities. At B2 it is central to political, social, and legal discourse. Core collocations: igualdad de oportunidades/género/derechos; la igualdad ante la ley; promover/garantizar la igualdad; igualdad de trato. Related: igualitario/a (egalitarian). Distinguish from equidad (equity — proportional fairness) and justicia (justice). Note that equality of outcome is often expressed as igualdad de resultados, while equality of opportunity = igualdad de oportunidades.
Common mistake
Don't confuse igualdad (equality — same treatment/status) with equidad (equity — fair/proportional treatment, used in social policy). 'Gender equality' = igualdad de género (not *igualdad de sexo in formal contexts). The Ministry responsible in Spain is el Ministerio de Igualdad — knowing this fixed name is useful at B2.