redlining

American  

[red-lahy-ning] / ˈrɛdˌlaɪ nɪŋ /

Or red-lining

noun

1. a discriminatory practice by which banks, insurance companies, etc., refuse or limit loans, mortgages, insurance, etc., within specific geographic areas, especially inner-city neighborhoods.

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Etymology

Origin of redlining

redline + -ing ¹, as if banks, insurance companies, etc., had outlined such areas in red on a map

Example Sentences

That’s a shoutout to the grown-ups for bringing the kids and, hopefully, discussing the historical practice of redlining with them after the show.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

The historically Black area, where many settled due to redlining east of Lake Avenue, “has definitely felt undervalued and overlooked in many ways,” Carmody said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2025

Insurance brokers who help affordable housing providers have been redoubling their efforts to overcome stereotypes, if not outright redlining discrimination, that historically tended to elevate rates in low-income neighborhoods.

From New York Times • Jun. 7, 2024

I was saddened to see that the Wing Luke Museum exhibit “Confronting Hate Together,” a collaboration between different communities targeted by redlining, has been closed because of a staff walkout.

From Seattle Times • May 28, 2024

Although studying and writing about architecture is "more than a full-time job," Goldberger manages to keep abreast of the legal aspects of buildings as well, including tenants' rights, rent control, zoning laws and redlining.

From 100 New Yorkers of the 1970s by Millard, Max