discrimination

noun

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dis·crim·i·na·tion | \ di-ˌskri-mə-ˈnā-shən

Definition of discrimination

1a : 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

3a : 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

Other Words from discrimination Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Discriminating Among Meanings of Discrimination More Example Sentences Learn More about discrimination

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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

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.

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 Ruth Bader Ginsburg made her mark arguing gender discrimination cases before the then-all-male court. — Robert Barnes, Anchorage Daily News, "Supreme Court arguments resume next week, with all the grandeur of working from home," 30 Apr. 2020 Making such decisions based on life expectancy can also reinforce historic discrimination because of health disparities between poor people — who are often people of color — and wealthier people, according to Center, of Disability Rights. — Mallory Moench, SFChronicle.com, "California to re-work coronavirus ethics guidelines deemed ‘terrifying’ by seniors and the disabled," 30 Apr. 2020 In turn, those implications only increase fear, possibly leading to more discrimination from healthcare providers for the high-weight people who need medical care. — Kasandra Brabaw, Health.com, "The CDC Says 'Severely Obese' People Are at Greater Risk for COVID-19 Complications—but Are They Really?," 29 Apr. 2020 In British employment cases, an award is capped at just above 80,000 pounds ($104,000) unless a worker can show discrimination or that they were fired for blowing the whistle on improper actions. — Jonathan Browning, Bloomberg.com, "UBS Senior Banker Fired for Breach Sues for Unfair Dismissal," 29 Apr. 2020 But local housing courts aren’t used to enforcing federal law, except on discrimination issues under the Fair Housing Act. — Washington Post, "Which states are doing a better job protecting renters from being evicted during the coronavirus pandemic," 29 Apr. 2020 In the real Hollywood of the ‘40s, prejudice and discrimination robbed women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community and more, of opportunity. — oregonlive, "‘Hollywood’: Netflix series is a glamorous blend of gossipy dish and wish-fulfillment fantasy," 29 Apr. 2020 Neither did Garrison’s insistence on instantly abolishing racial discrimination as well as slavery, nor his push to agitate over other injustices, notably the subordination of women. — Sean Wilentz, The New York Review of Books, "Abolition’s First Wave," 29 Apr. 2020 Francis Kean, the chairman of the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) which was seconding Beaumont's bid for re-election, has been stood down by World Rugby following accusations of homophobia and discrimination. — George Ramsay, CNN, "Unions are 'on their knees' but Agustin Pichot thinks he can save rugby," 25 Apr. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'discrimination.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

4 May 2020

Cite this Entry

“Discrimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discrimination. Accessed 9 May. 2020.

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More Definitions for discrimination

discrimination

noun

English Language Learners Definition of discrimination

: the practice of unfairly treating a person or group of people differently from other people or groups of people

: the ability to recognize the difference between things that are of good quality and those that are not

: the ability to understand that one thing is different from another thing

See the full definition for discrimination in the English Language Learners Dictionary

discrimination

noun

dis·crim·i·na·tion | \ di-ˌskri-mə-ˈnā-shən

Kids Definition of discrimination

1 : the practice of unfairly treating a person or group differently from other people or groups of people The law prohibits discrimination against the disabled.

2 : the ability to see differences Police use a dog's discrimination of smells.

discrimination

noun

dis·crim·i·na·tion | \ dis-ˌkrim-ə-ˈnā-shən