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.

discriminatory

/ -trɪ, dɪˈskrɪmɪnətɪv, dɪˈskrɪmɪnətərɪ /

adjective

1. based on or showing prejudice; biased

2. capable of making fine distinctions

3. (of a statistical test) unbiased

Other Word Forms

• discriminatorily adverb
• nondiscriminatory adjective
• undiscriminatory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of discriminatory¹

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

Example Sentences

That may include cutting funding for textbooks or other materials found to be discriminatory.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"This is not discriminatory. It is not aimed at American companies," he added.

Read more on BBC

Sefcovic insisted the EU's rules were "not discriminatory" or "aimed at American companies".

Read more on Barron's

In a statement after the ruling, Abbott said it was “absurd” to say the maps were discriminatory.

Read more on Salon

One point is explicit but even-handed: "Both countries will agree to abolish all discriminatory measures and guarantee the rights of Ukrainian and Russian media and education."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• biased 
• inequitable 
• prejudiced 
• unfair