discriminatory

American  

[dih-skrim-uh-nuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / dɪˈskrɪm ə nəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

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.

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discriminatory British  

/ -trɪ, dɪˈskrɪmɪnətɪv, dɪˈskrɪmɪnətərɪ /

adjective

1. based on or showing prejudice; biased

2. capable of making fine distinctions

3. (of a statistical test) unbiased

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Other Word Forms

• discriminatorily adverb
• nondiscriminatory adjective
• undiscriminatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of discriminatory

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

Example Sentences

Regulators have repeatedly warned against opaque algorithms and discriminatory pricing, and consumer trust remains fragile.

From Barron's

Because algorithmic systems typically operate without explicit intent, eliminating disparate impact analysis reduces federal agencies’ ability to detect and address discriminatory outcomes produced by increasingly automated government and private-sector decision-making.

From Salon

South Korea's women's football team threatened to boycott matches ahead of March's Asian Cup over "discriminatory conditions" provided by their country's football association, documents revealed Tuesday.

From Barron's

She rejected suggestions such tactics could be discriminatory, saying "racial animus has no place in DHS".

From BBC

They have also decried an exception in the law for California state peace officers, arguing the carve out is discriminatory.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• biased
• inequitable
• prejudiced
• unfair