discriminatory
adjective
dis·crim·i·na·to·ry
di-ˈskri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 
-ˈskrim-nə-
2
: applying or favoring discrimination in treatment
Synonyms
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
In 2021, Evanston became the first U.S. city to offer reparations to Black residents affected by discriminatory zoning laws from 1919 to 1969.
—
Melissa Noel, Essence, 7 June 2024
As better-paying jobs moved to the suburbs, benefiting white families who had fled the city in large numbers since at least the 1960s, some Baltimore County leaders used discriminatory zoning practices to discourage Black families from following.
—Jessica Gallagher, New York Times, 3 June 2024
The company blamed the discriminatory listing on a rogue employee.
—Byruth Umoh, Fortune, 29 May 2024
The report detailed the findings of an investigation into allegations of racially discriminatory policing practices in the area in northern Los Angeles County.
—Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for discriminatory 
Melissa Noel, Essence, 7 June 2024
As better-paying jobs moved to the suburbs, benefiting white families who had fled the city in large numbers since at least the 1960s, some Baltimore County leaders used discriminatory zoning practices to discourage Black families from following.
—Jessica Gallagher, New York Times, 3 June 2024
The company blamed the discriminatory listing on a rogue employee.
—Byruth Umoh, Fortune, 29 May 2024
The report detailed the findings of an investigation into allegations of racially discriminatory policing practices in the area in northern Los Angeles County.
—Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for discriminatory
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'discriminatory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near discriminatory
Cite this Entry
“Discriminatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discriminatory. Accessed 11 Jun. 2024.
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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