discrimination

noun

dis·​crim·​i·​na·​tion di-ˌskri-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce discrimination (audio)
1
a
: prejudiced or prejudicial outlook, action, or treatment
racial discrimination
b
: the act, practice, or an instance of discriminating categorically rather than individually
2
: the quality or power of finely distinguishing
the film viewed by those with discrimination
3
a
: the act of making or perceiving a difference : the act of discriminating
a bloodhound's scent discrimination
b
psychology : the process by which two stimuli differing in some aspect are responded to differently
discriminational adjective

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Discriminating Among Meanings of Discrimination

Discrimination has senses with neutral, positive, and negative connotations. On the one hand, it can refer to "the act (or power) of distinguishing" or to "good taste, refinement." These meanings, sometimes reinforced with modifiers (as in a fine or a nice discrimination), stress an ability to perceive differences as an index of unusual intelligence. On the other hand, when the perception of difference is marked by invidious distinction or hostility, the word (often followed by against) takes on very negative overtones, as in the senses "act of discriminating categorically rather than individually" (discrimination against women, age discrimination) and "a prejudiced outlook or course of action" (racial discrimination). The original, neutral sense of discrimination, "the act of distinguishing," came into English by the early 17th century, followed by the positive one associated with superior discernment in the 18th century. Discrimination in the "prejudice" sense has been in use since the early 19th century, almost 200 years ago.

Choose the Right Synonym for discrimination

discernment, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind.

discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

Examples of discrimination in a Sentence

The law prohibits discrimination in hiring. He sued the company for age discrimination. the animal's impressive scent discrimination
Recent Examples on the Web There were also instances of discrimination that could have easily turned Copeland away from dance all together. Matt Marshall, CNN, 24 Mar. 2024 Last year, Louisville Metro Government paid out more than $600,000 to settle two lawsuits alleging racial discrimination by a Metro Parks supervisor. Reach reporter Josh Wood at jwood@courier-journal.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @JWoodJourno. Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 22 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for discrimination 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'discrimination.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see discriminate

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Time Traveler
The first known use of discrimination was in 1621

Dictionary Entries Near discrimination

Cite this Entry

“Discrimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discrimination. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

discrimination

noun
dis·​crim·​i·​na·​tion dis-ˌkrim-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce discrimination (audio)
1
: the act of perceiving distinctions
2
: the ability to make fine distinctions
3
: the treating of some people better than others without any fair or proper reason
laws to end racial discrimination
discriminational
-shnəl How to pronounce discrimination (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

discrimination

noun
dis·​crim·​i·​na·​tion dis-ˌkrim-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce discrimination (audio)
: the process by which two stimuli differing in some aspect are responded to differently : differentiation
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