discrimination

noun

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

1

: the act, practice, or an instance of unfairly treating a person or group differently from other people or groups on a class or categorical basis (such as race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation) : prejudiced or prejudicial outlook or practice

racial discrimination

sued the company for sex discrimination

Ageism is discrimination against individuals or groups based on their age.

—Sheila Callaham

2

: the quality or power of finely distinguishing

… a fastidious discrimination in her general tastes …

—George Eliot

3

a

: the act of making or perceiving a difference : the act of discriminating

a bloodhound's impressive scent discrimination

b

psychology : the process by which two stimuli differing in some aspect are responded to differently

discriminational

di-ˌskri-mə-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Did you know?

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.

Synonyms of discrimination

• distinction
• separation

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 people affected by the housing crisis

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

The Justice Department, however, argues that Evanston is violating the Constitution's equal protection clause, which prohibits government discrimination based on race. — Adrian Florido, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026

Race and ethnicity data are essential for researchers who gauge discrimination, crime rates and wealth gaps in communities of color. — Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

The Americans with Disabilities Act, the federal law that protects people with disabilities, requires that public spaces accommodate those with physical limitations and prohibits discrimination against them in government programs. — Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

In the meantime, many nonprofit schools may end their programs that are designed to address the results of past discrimination out of a fear of potentially losing their tax-exempt status. — Elizabeth Schmidt, The Conversation, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see discriminate

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing discrimination

• anti-discrimination
• make a discrimination
• positive discrimination
• reverse discrimination

Rhymes for discrimination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

discrimination

noun

dis·​crim·​i·​na·​tion dis-ˌkrim-ə-ˈnā-shən 

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 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

discrimination

noun

dis·​crim·​i·​na·​tion dis-ˌkrim-ə-ˈnā-shən 

: the process by which two stimuli differing in some aspect are responded to differently : differentiation