discrimination

noun

dis·​crim·​i·​na·​tion di-ˌskri-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

a

: prejudiced or prejudicial outlook, action, or treatment

racial discrimination

b

: the act, practice, or an instance of discriminating categorically rather than individually

2

: the quality or power of finely distinguishing

the film viewed by those with discrimination

3

a

: the act of making or perceiving a difference : the act of discriminating

a bloodhound's scent discrimination

b

psychology : the process by which two stimuli differing in some aspect are responded to differently

discriminational

di-ˌskri-mə-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

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Discriminating Among Meanings of Discrimination

Discrimination has senses with neutral, positive, and negative connotations. On the one hand, it can refer to "the act (or power) of distinguishing" or to "good taste, refinement." These meanings, sometimes reinforced with modifiers (as in a fine or a nice discrimination), stress an ability to perceive differences as an index of unusual intelligence. On the other hand, when the perception of difference is marked by invidious distinction or hostility, the word (often followed by against) takes on very negative overtones, as in the senses "act of discriminating categorically rather than individually" (discrimination against women, age discrimination) and "a prejudiced outlook or course of action" (racial discrimination). The original, neutral sense of discrimination, "the act of distinguishing," came into English by the early 17th century, followed by the positive one associated with superior discernment in the 18th century. Discrimination in the "prejudice" sense has been in use since the early 19th century, almost 200 years ago.

Synonyms

• demarcation
• discreteness
• distinction
• separation

Choose the Right Synonym for discrimination

discernment, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind.

discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of people affected by the housing crisis

acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

Examples of discrimination in a Sentence

The law prohibits discrimination in hiring.

He sued the company for age discrimination.

the animal's impressive scent discrimination

Recent Examples on the Web

Nearly half of neurodivergent workers do not disclose their condition during job interviews, fearing discrimination. —Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

The Biden administration updated Title IX regulations to include discrimination against gender identity. —Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 28 Nov. 2024

The City Council also approved $21 million in housing and economic development programs to address past discrimination against its Black and Latino residents, which includes $10 million for a first-time homebuyer assistance program and $10 million to establish a community land trust. —Curtis Bunn, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2024

My nonprofit, Humane Intelligence, builds red teaming exercises with nontechnical experts, governments, and civil society organizations to test AI for discrimination and bias. —Rumman Chowdhury, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see discriminate

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing discrimination

• anti-discrimination
• make a discrimination
• positive discrimination
• reverse discrimination

Kids Definition

discrimination

noun

dis·​crim·​i·​na·​tion dis-ˌkrim-ə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of perceiving distinctions

2

: the ability to make fine distinctions

3

: the treating of some people better than others without any fair or proper reason

laws to end racial discrimination

discriminational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

discrimination

noun

dis·​crim·​i·​na·​tion dis-ˌkrim-ə-ˈnā-shən 

: the process by which two stimuli differing in some aspect are responded to differently : differentiation