prejudiced
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of prejudiced
First recorded in 1570–90; prejudice ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
Explanation
If you've decided that you don't like or trust someone before you've actually met them, you're prejudiced. It's unfortunately common to have prejudiced views of people who are different from you. It's prejudiced to have negative opinions about people because of their gender, religion, skin color, or the language they speak. It's equally prejudiced to say things like "She can't be very smart — her family is poor" or "They are so old, there's no way they'll think this movie is funny." Each of these statements reveals an unfair, preconceived idea of what someone is like based on one personal characteristic.
Vocabulary lists containing prejudiced
You Be the Judge: Jud, Jur, Jus
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Catcher in the Rye
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Slam!
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It’s possible more and more voters see through the prejudiced subterfuge, but it’s more likely that folks simply need a change.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026
On Tuesday, Tate's lawyers applied for a stay of 12 months on the civil case, arguing they were awaiting materials from the police and that any potential future criminal proceedings could be prejudiced.
From BBC ● May 6, 2026
Helder Barbalho, the governor of the state of Para, where Belem is located, slammed "the prejudiced" comments on the X social network.
From Barron's ● Nov. 18, 2025
“We’re all prejudiced against one thing or another,” Deen continues.
From Salon ● Sep. 18, 2025
It was an institution for girls near my house, and the young ladies were faster, brasher, meaner and more prejudiced than any I had met at Lafayette County Training School.
From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
