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
An early investigation by state education officials was slowed in part by a lawsuit filed by the organization and Bock — who is not Somali — on grounds the probe was discriminatory.
—
Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 2 Jan. 2026
Subjective assessments by overwhelmed caseworkers operating without adequate information lead to inconsistent, sometimes discriminatory decisions.
—Maureen Flatley, Boston Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
The line is crossed when someone’s conduct at work becomes disrespectful, harassing, intimidating, discriminatory, or disruptive to the team.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025
To this end, the US has restricted Chinese drone use in the United States, a move that China has called discriminatory.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for discriminatory
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Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 2 Jan. 2026
Subjective assessments by overwhelmed caseworkers operating without adequate information lead to inconsistent, sometimes discriminatory decisions.
—Maureen Flatley, Boston Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
The line is crossed when someone’s conduct at work becomes disrespectful, harassing, intimidating, discriminatory, or disruptive to the team.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025
To this end, the US has restricted Chinese drone use in the United States, a move that China has called discriminatory.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 28 Dec. 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 Jan. 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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