discriminatory
adjective
dis·crim·i·na·to·ry
di-ˈskri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 
-ˈskrim-nə-
2
: applying or favoring discrimination in treatment
Examples of discriminatory in a Sentence
The law prohibits discriminatory hiring practices.
a company that was fined for its discriminatory practices in the hiring of women
Recent Examples on the Web
Racial Disparities Could Worsen: Without investigations, segregation, and discriminatory discipline practices may resurge.
—
Scott White, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Employers should apply policies fairly and consistently to avoid potential discriminatory claims.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
In 2023, California’s task force on reparations calculated that the state’s discriminatory practices cost the average African American in California $160,931 in homeownership wealth compared with a white Californian.
—Calvin Schermerhorn, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2025
Caldwell lawyer Brian Festa, cofounder of We the Patriots USA, a Caldwell nonprofit, said that while the situation may feel discriminatory, political views are not protected under Idaho housing law.
—Riley Shoemaker, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discriminatory
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Scott White, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Employers should apply policies fairly and consistently to avoid potential discriminatory claims.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
In 2023, California’s task force on reparations calculated that the state’s discriminatory practices cost the average African American in California $160,931 in homeownership wealth compared with a white Californian.
—Calvin Schermerhorn, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2025
Caldwell lawyer Brian Festa, cofounder of We the Patriots USA, a Caldwell nonprofit, said that while the situation may feel discriminatory, political views are not protected under Idaho housing law.
—Riley Shoemaker, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discriminatory
Cite this Entry
“Discriminatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discriminatory. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
discriminatory
adjective
dis·crim·i·na·to·ry
dis-ˈkrim-(ə-)nə-ˌtōr-ē
-ˌtȯr-
: showing discrimination : being unfair
discriminatory treatment
Legal Definition
discriminatory
adjective
dis·crim·i·na·to·ry
dis-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌtōr-ē
1
: applying discrimination in treatment
2
: having unlawful discrimination as an effect
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