1
: showing an unfair feeling of dislike for a person or group because of race, sex, religion, etc. : showing prejudice
prejudicial feelings
2
formal
: causing or likely to cause injury or harm to someone or something
The judge ruled that the prejudicial effect of the evidence outweighed its value.
—often + toThe appeals court ruled that the testimony was unfairly prejudicial to the defendant.
Cite this Entry
“Prejudicial.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/prejudicial. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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