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
While laws prohibit discriminatory termination, at-will employment provides a convenient mask.
—
Sherry Martin, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
But because of their Palestinian identity, they are confined to second-class citizenship by laws enshrining the country’s Jewish character and by discriminatory practices intended to prevent them from achieving equality with Jewish Israelis.
—Asad Ghanem, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025
In one of his first acts, President Donald Trump branded diversity, equity and inclusion programs as discriminatory.
—Iveta Silova, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2025
The commission would also study how both public and private institutions may have benefited from discriminatory policies and suggest reparations those institutions should offer.
—Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discriminatory
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Sherry Martin, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
But because of their Palestinian identity, they are confined to second-class citizenship by laws enshrining the country’s Jewish character and by discriminatory practices intended to prevent them from achieving equality with Jewish Israelis.
—Asad Ghanem, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025
In one of his first acts, President Donald Trump branded diversity, equity and inclusion programs as discriminatory.
—Iveta Silova, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2025
The commission would also study how both public and private institutions may have benefited from discriminatory policies and suggest reparations those institutions should offer.
—Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 3 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 27 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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