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.
The business owners’ attorney, Russell Cormican, who has been litigating cases related to psychics and fortunetellers for over 20 years, said regulations of psychics’ free speech are often driven by discriminatory beliefs and biases. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026 While he was being interviewed by law enforcement, White allegedly made several inflammatory and discriminatory statements toward Muslims, the complaint said. — Luke Barr, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 Garza’s complaint accused LeVota of discriminatory treatment, a hostile work environment and other claims, such as being excluded from her job duties. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 All three countries will also need to create new regulatory regimes to make sure that Chinese firms operate fairly and do not continue to benefit from Beijing’s subsidies or from its discriminatory allocation of exports of essential inputs. — Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 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

See All Rhymes for discriminatory

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 7 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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