implicit bias

noun

plural implicit biases

: a bias or prejudice that is present but not consciously held or recognized

These studies reveal that students, nurses, doctors, police officers, employment recruiters, and many others exhibit implicit biases with respect to race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, social status, and other distinctions.

—J. T. Jost et al.

"Research shows that the majority of people have an implicit bias that associates science and technology with gender, so from a very young age, girls are not encouraged to pursue these careers," she [Caroline Simard] said.

—Claire Cain Miller

Examples of implicit bias in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But when today’s racial achievement gaps are attributed to more nebulous forms of discrimination—like implicit bias in standardized testing—the explanatory force begins to wane. —Idrees Kahloon, New Yorker, 28 July 2025

And since suspensions can disproportionately affect boys of color, the district is also working to train educators on implicit bias. —Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025

Third — and perhaps most insidious — is implicit bias. —Sean C. Domnick, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025

Companies can establish training programs aimed at raising awareness about implicit bias. —Veena Jetti, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for implicit bias

• censorious
• jeremias
• zacharias
• dryas
• laius
• lyase
• mayas
• pious
• playas
• prius
• elias
• impious