discriminatory
adjective
dis·crim·i·na·to·ry
di-ˈskri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 
-ˈskrim-nə-
2
: applying or favoring discrimination in treatment
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
In late September, China signed a decree enabling the country’s government to retaliate against countries that implement discriminatory bans, restrictions or other measures targeting Chinese operators, vessels or crew.
—
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 6 Oct. 2025
Federal officials cited the district's racial equity policies, funding formula, and discipline practices as discriminatory.
—Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
That’s when returning American veterans used their benefits to settle into suburban neighborhoods that would soon be separated by race and class through zoning policies and discriminatory lending practices.
—Ron Barrett, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
That nearly 30-point difference reflects decades of discriminatory lending practices, redlining, and unequal access to mortgage credit.
—Essence, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discriminatory
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Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 6 Oct. 2025
Federal officials cited the district's racial equity policies, funding formula, and discipline practices as discriminatory.
—Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
That’s when returning American veterans used their benefits to settle into suburban neighborhoods that would soon be separated by race and class through zoning policies and discriminatory lending practices.
—Ron Barrett, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
That nearly 30-point difference reflects decades of discriminatory lending practices, redlining, and unequal access to mortgage credit.
—Essence, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discriminatory
Cite this Entry
“Discriminatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discriminatory. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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