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

Leadership training disputes The lawsuit alleges Petersen began subjecting Kennon to discriminatory treatment around January 2024, including talking down to her, ignoring her and questioning her judgment. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026

The investigation found Brazilian policies unreasonable or discriminatory toward US commerce. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

For racist, homophobic, and discriminatory chants and insults made by Argentine spectators during matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, England, and Spain, a fine of $100,000 and a similar amount suspended for a period of 6 months. — Michelle Kaufman august 21, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026

Legal experts dispute Abbott’s claims that the ritual washing stations are discriminatory, with some saying his attack fits a pattern of anti-Muslim actions and rhetoric. — Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Washington Post, 20 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