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The law was originally enacted to help undo discriminatory Jim Crow racial segregation and protect the voting rights of Black people.
—
Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
But Fultz underscores that the bill was introduced because the previous legislation was deemed unconstitutional and discriminatory by Canadian courts.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026
The Panama Canal Authority charges fees based on the size and type of ships that are using the waterway and rates are uniform, impartial, and non-discriminatory , according to the European Parliamentary Research Service.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
Support for new state laws was strongest among Black voters — 72% — who historically have been targeted with discriminatory voting policies, including Jim Crow-era laws such as literacy tests and poll taxes.
—Phil Willon, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for discriminatory
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Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
But Fultz underscores that the bill was introduced because the previous legislation was deemed unconstitutional and discriminatory by Canadian courts.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026
The Panama Canal Authority charges fees based on the size and type of ships that are using the waterway and rates are uniform, impartial, and non-discriminatory , according to the European Parliamentary Research Service.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
Support for new state laws was strongest among Black voters — 72% — who historically have been targeted with discriminatory voting policies, including Jim Crow-era laws such as literacy tests and poll taxes.
—Phil Willon, Los Angeles Times, 2 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 8 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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