discriminatory

adjective

dis·​crim·​i·​na·​to·​ry di-ˈskri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce discriminatory (audio)
-ˈskrim-nə-
Synonyms of discriminatorynext
1
: discriminative sense 1
2
: applying or favoring discrimination in treatment
discriminatorily
di-ˌskri-mə-nə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē How to pronounce discriminatory (audio)
-ˌskrim-nə-
adverb

Synonyms of discriminatory

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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.
When the community is hostile toward or distrustful of a particular minority group, police may feel that discriminatory behavior toward that group is justified. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 Other retailers have also pulled merchandise that critics deemed racially insensitive, discriminatory or offensive after public backlash and social media protests. — Star Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Leadership training disputes The lawsuit alleges Petersen began subjecting Kennon to discriminatory treatment around January 2024, including talking down to her, ignoring her and questioning her judgment. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026 The investigation found Brazilian policies unreasonable or discriminatory toward US commerce. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for discriminatory

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Browse Nearby Words

discriminatorily
discriminatory
discrown
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Cite this Entry

“Discriminatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discriminatory. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
-ˌkri-mə-nə-ˈtōr-ə-lē How to pronounce discriminatory (audio)
adverb
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