discriminatory

adjective

dis·​crim·​i·​na·​to·​ry di-ˈskri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce discriminatory (audio)
-ˈskrim-nə-
1
2
: applying or favoring discrimination in treatment
discriminatorily adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Companies are also under pressure from conservative critics who say DEI programs are themselves discriminatory against non-minorities. Maria Aspan, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025 The memorandum, first posted on the West Point subreddit and then on X, has drawn ire from some who feel the ban is discriminatory. Miranda Jeyaretnam, TIME, 5 Feb. 2025 The licensure requirements are unconstitutionally discriminatory and interfere with or delay patients’ right to reproductive freedom, the providers say in their filing. Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2025 The plaintiffs argue in their suit that the order’s provisions are discriminatory and lack any basis in military readiness or cohesion. Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for discriminatory 

Word History

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of discriminatory was in 1745

Dictionary Entries Near discriminatory

Cite this Entry

“Discriminatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discriminatory. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

discriminatory

adjective
dis·​crim·​i·​na·​to·​ry dis-ˈkrim-(ə-)nə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce discriminatory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
: showing discrimination : being unfair
discriminatory treatment

Legal Definition

discriminatory

adjective
dis·​crim·​i·​na·​to·​ry dis-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce discriminatory (audio)
1
: applying discrimination in treatment
2
: having unlawful discrimination as an effect
discriminatorily adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on discriminatory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!