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
The discriminatory culture at Beast Industries, Mavromatis argues in the lawsuit, came from the top.
—
Irin Carmon, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
In that ruling, Robinson wrote that SDSU would have the burden of proving there had been legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons for disproportionately funding the scholarships for male athletes more than female athletes.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Another worker got $26,500 after alleging their termination was discriminatory.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026
The indictment also alleged that the defendants engaged in discriminatory practices based on racial bias when deciding what reservations to honor and cancel.
—Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discriminatory
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Irin Carmon, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
In that ruling, Robinson wrote that SDSU would have the burden of proving there had been legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons for disproportionately funding the scholarships for male athletes more than female athletes.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Another worker got $26,500 after alleging their termination was discriminatory.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026
The indictment also alleged that the defendants engaged in discriminatory practices based on racial bias when deciding what reservations to honor and cancel.
—Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discriminatory
Cite this Entry
“Discriminatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discriminatory. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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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