discriminatory

[ dih-skrim-uh-nuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

1. characterized by or showing prejudicial treatment, especially as an indication of bias related to age, race, skin color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, etc.:

   Discriminatory practices in housing historically led to racially segregated neighborhoods.

   They passed a discriminatory tax mainly impacting immigrants to the country.

2. discriminative ( defs 1, 2 ).

discriminatory

/ -trɪ; dɪˈskrɪmɪnətɪv; dɪˈskrɪmɪnətərɪ /

adjective

1. based on or showing prejudice; biased
2. capable of making fine distinctions
3. (of a statistical test) unbiased

Derived Forms

• disˈcriminatorily, adverb

Other Words From

• dis·crimi·na·tori·ly adverb
• nondis·crimi·na·tory adjective
• undis·crimi·na·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of discriminatory¹

First recorded in 1820–30; discriminate + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

Dishonesty was the most common reason for being kicked out of the police force, followed by sexual offences or misconduct and discriminatory behaviour.

From BBC

The parents sought to send their children to Orthodox Jewish schools and argued that the state’s policy of barring funding for religious institutions was discriminatory.

From Los Angeles Times

The Council on American-Islamic Relations has told the water district that Hagekhalil has been “subjected to discriminatory and racist actions and behaviors” by some board members.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Houston said she experienced prejudice “on a daily basis” and felt at some levels people do not even realise they are being discriminatory.

From BBC

Trump’s company wasn’t finished with its racist discriminatory practices, however.

From Salon

Related Words

• biased
• inequitable
• prejudiced
• unfair