discriminatory

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

/ dɪˈskrɪm ə nəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

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See synonyms for discriminatory on Thesaurus.com

adjective

characterized by or showing prejudicial treatment, especially as an indication of bias related to age, color, national origin, religion, sex, etc.: discriminatory practices in housing;a discriminatory tax.

discriminative (defs. 1, 2).

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of discriminatory

First recorded in 1820–30; discriminate + -ory¹

OTHER WORDS FROM discriminatory

dis·crim·i·na·to·ri·ly, adverbnon·dis·crim·i·na·to·ry, adjectiveun·dis·crim·i·na·to·ry, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH discriminatory

discriminating, discriminatory

Words nearby discriminatory

discriminating, discrimination, discrimination learning, discriminative, discriminator, discriminatory, discrown, discursion, discursive, discus, discuss

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use discriminatory in a sentence

If employers make sure these tools are not grossly discriminatory, in all likelihood they will not draw the attention of federal regulators.
Auditors are testing hiring algorithms for bias, but there’s no easy fix|Amy Nordrum|February 11, 2021|MIT Technology Review
They say it would infringe on both First Amendment rights and the federal laws against taxing Internet companies in a discriminatory way.
Lawmakers launch override of Hogan vetoes of schools overhaul, digital ad tax|Ovetta Wiggins, Erin Cox|February 8, 2021|Washington Post
These cities have outcomes more consistent with a “pattern or practice” of discriminatory policing.
The Police Departments With The Biggest Racial Disparities In Arrests And Killings|Samuel Sinyangwe|February 4, 2021|FiveThirtyEight
In deferring to this notion of states’ rights, Lincoln also deferred to discriminatory views and practices.
Working to end slavery, Lincoln found power — and limits — in the Constitution|Elizabeth R. Varon|January 22, 2021|Washington Post

The war on terror has been done in a way that is not only discriminatory but ineffective.
‘Everyone Thinks I’m a Terrorist’: Capitol Riot Fuels Calls for Domestic War on Terror|Simon Shuster|January 18, 2021|Time
I am so sorry that your parents did this to you, developing their own discriminatory take on your existence.
Dear Leelah, We Will Fight On For You: A Letter to a Dead Trans Teen|Parker Molloy|January 1, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The trouble is, this policy is both overbroad and weirdly discriminatory.
Facebook’s ‘Real Name Policy’ Is a Real Drag|Jay Michaelson|September 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Allen admitted that he had been worried about impersonating Walt Jr. but thought it would be discriminatory to leave him out.
One Man 'Breaking Bad' Kills on Stage|Nico Hines|August 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“These types of discriminatory legal provisions are littered throughout the Iranian legal system,” says Sanei.
Iran to Hang Abused Child Bride|Nina Strochlic|June 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
So we know that we have those obvious discriminatory laws, regulations, practices, that we still have to tackle.
Transcript: Thomas Friedman Interviews Hillary Clinton and Christine Lagarde||April 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Discriminatory taxes, too; pinched the small landholding and industrial barons and favored a few big ones.
Space Viking|Henry Beam Piper
This case went to the Supreme Court which decided in 1908 that the device was unlawful and discriminatory.
Railroads: Rates and Regulations|William Z. Ripley
The Commission finds, from the evidence before it, that the regulation is not unjustly discriminatory.
Railroads: Rates and Regulations|William Z. Ripley
Discriminatory measures against nonconformist merchants and traders went into effect, which quickly resulted in their ruin.
Bohemia under Hapsburg Misrule|Various
After the Armada Saltash levied an extra discriminatory five shillings upon Spanish vessels.
The Cornish Coast (South)|Charles G. Harper

British Dictionary definitions for discriminatory

discriminatory

discriminative (dɪˈskrɪmɪnətɪv)

/ (dɪˈskrɪmɪnətərɪ, -trɪ) /

adjective

based on or showing prejudice; biased

capable of making fine distinctions

(of a statistical test) unbiased

Derived forms of discriminatory

discriminatorily or discriminatively, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

discriminatory

Origin of discriminatory

OTHER WORDS FROM discriminatory

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH discriminatory

Words nearby discriminatory

Words related to discriminatory

How to use discriminatory in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for discriminatory

discriminative (dɪˈskrɪmɪnətɪv)

Derived forms of discriminatory