discriminatory

adjective

dis·​crim·​i·​na·​to·​ry di-ˈskri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 

-ˈskrim-nə-

1

: discriminative sense 1

2

: applying or favoring discrimination in treatment

discriminatorily

di-ˌskri-mə-nə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē 

-ˌskrim-nə-

adverb

Synonyms of discriminatory

• unfair
• unjust
• discriminative

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

When those tariffs expired last month, the president issued another round of global tariffs imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which is meant to combat unfair or discriminatory economic practices by other nations. — Reuters, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026

As a result, schools will no longer be investigated for disproportionately disciplining students of color as long as their policies are not explicitly discriminatory. — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026

Previous research found such listings can perpetuate racial exclusion and discriminatory steering. — Derrick Johnson, Time, 4 Aug. 2026

The latest round of global tariffs was imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which is meant to combat unfair or discriminatory economic practices by other nations. — Reuters, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for discriminatory

• adjudicatory
• anticipatory
• articulatory
• classificatory
• conciliatory
• congratulatory
• ejaculatory
• emancipatory
• hallucinatory
• interlaboratory
• interrogatory
• investigatory

Kids Definition

discriminatory

adjective

dis·​crim·​i·​na·​to·​ry dis-ˈkrim-(ə-)nə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

: showing discrimination : being unfair

discriminatory treatment

Legal Definition

discriminatory

adjective

dis·​crim·​i·​na·​to·​ry dis-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌtōr-ē 

1

: applying discrimination in treatment

2

: having unlawful discrimination as an effect

discriminatorily

-ˌkri-mə-nə-ˈtōr-ə-lē 

adverb