discriminatory

adjective

dis·​crim·​i·​na·​to·​ry di-ˈskri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 

-ˈskrim-nə-

1

: discriminative sense 1

2

: applying or favoring discrimination in treatment

discriminatorily

di-ˌskri-mə-nə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē 

-ˌskrim-nə-

adverb

Synonyms

• differential
• discriminating
• discriminational
• discriminative

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

Independent United Nations human rights experts declared the ban to be discriminatory and, contrary to the purpoted aim, suppressive of individual freedoms of religious expression. —Frey Lindsay, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

White House war on overseas ‘discriminatory’ taxation The Trump administration wasted no time in responding. —Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 12 Feb. 2025

Some organizations and individuals view Starbucks' initiatives as discriminatory, particularly if compensation is linked to race or gender. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025

These fictional women railed against unsatisfying personal relationships and discriminatory work environments. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for discriminatory

• adjudicatory
• anticipatory
• articulatory
• classificatory
• conciliatory
• congratulatory
• ejaculatory
• emancipatory
• hallucinatory
• interlaboratory
• interrogatory
• investigatory

Kids 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

discriminatorily

-ˌkri-mə-nə-ˈtōr-ə-lē 

adverb