discriminating

adjective

dis·​crim·​i·​nat·​ing di-ˈskri-mə-ˌnā-tiŋ 

1

: making a distinction : distinguishing

a discriminating mark

2

: marked by discrimination:

a

: discerning, judicious

discriminating buyers

b

: discriminatory

accused of discriminating practices

discriminatingly

di-ˈskri-mə-ˌnā-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• differential
• discriminational
• discriminative
• discriminatory

Examples of discriminating in a Sentence

accused of discriminating practices in the hiring of employees

a discriminating feature of poison ivy is a compound leaf with three mitten-shaped leaflets

Recent Examples on the Web

Consumers have become more discriminating, and are passing on some higher-price purchases while seeking out cheaper alternatives. —Zeke Miller, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024

Never restricted by arbitrary price points or dealer demands, Wilson hand-built the best speakers from his workshop in Provo, Utah, for the most discriminating audio enthusiasts in the world. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024

Small farmers can serve more discriminating customers while big farms provide product for more cost-conscious consumers, Kogan and DeAngelo say. —Brad Branan, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024

And the lodging with so many options is Woof’s Play and Stay, a Kansas City area boarding kennel for the most discriminating pet owners. —Matt Keenan, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

discriminating

adjective

dis·​crim·​i·​nat·​ing

dis-ˈkrim-ə-ˌnāt-iŋ

1

: showing careful judgment : discerning

a discriminating taste

2

: discriminatory

discriminatingly adverb