discriminatory

[dih-skrim-uh-nuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee]

adjective

1. characterized by or showing prejudicial treatment, especially as an indication of bias related to age, race, skin color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, etc..

   Discriminatory practices in housing historically led to racially segregated neighborhoods.

   They passed a discriminatory tax mainly impacting immigrants to the country.

2. discriminative.

discriminatory

/ -trɪ, dɪˈskrɪmɪnətɪv, dɪˈskrɪmɪnətərɪ /

adjective

1. based on or showing prejudice; biased

2. capable of making fine distinctions

3. (of a statistical test) unbiased

Other Word Forms

• discriminatorily adverb
• nondiscriminatory adjective
• undiscriminatory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of discriminatory¹

First recorded in 1820–30; discriminate + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

Until that changes, such discriminatory attitudes will continue to ruin lives.

From BBC

Semenya refused, arguing it was an infringement of her human rights and discriminatory.

From BBC

It was deemed to be "unreasonable and discriminatory" and against "economic development".

From BBC

The US President wrote that all countries with digital taxes, legislation, rules, or regulations were "on notice" that unless such "discriminatory actions" were removed tariffs and restrictions on their access to US technology would follow.

From BBC

“They thought it was discriminatory to make people put up money because they just killed three people lying in the street,” he added.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• biased 
• inequitable 
• prejudiced 
• unfair