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
The 242-page document agreed to by Louisville Metro Police, the city's government and the DOJ includes measures to revise LMPD's use-of-force policies, ensure searches and seizures are not discriminatory and require changes in search warrant procedures, among other things.
—
Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 13 Dec. 2024
Rodriguez’s attorneys maintained he was only included in the injunction because of an older brother’s gang ties, and courts eventually agreed the law was discriminatory — although authorities can still seek injunctions under narrower circumstances.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
Margaret Huang, president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, said Biden’s action provided justice for people in southern states who are disproportionately and harshly punished due to discriminatory law enforcement.
—Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
The Agreement The consent decree, pending approval by a judge, comes after a federal investigation concluded that Louisville police systematically violated constitutional rights and engaged in discriminatory practices against the Black community.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discriminatory 
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.
Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 13 Dec. 2024
Rodriguez’s attorneys maintained he was only included in the injunction because of an older brother’s gang ties, and courts eventually agreed the law was discriminatory — although authorities can still seek injunctions under narrower circumstances.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
Margaret Huang, president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, said Biden’s action provided justice for people in southern states who are disproportionately and harshly punished due to discriminatory law enforcement.
—Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
The Agreement The consent decree, pending approval by a judge, comes after a federal investigation concluded that Louisville police systematically violated constitutional rights and engaged in discriminatory practices against the Black community.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discriminatory
Dictionary Entries Near discriminatory
Cite this Entry
“Discriminatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discriminatory. Accessed 24 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share