Discriminatory
/dɪˈskrɪmɪnəˌtɔːri/
Definitions
Acting in a way that treats a person or group unfairly, based on their characteristics (e.g., race, gender, religion).
/dɪˈskrɪmɪnəˌtɔːri/
Treating a person or particular group of people differently, in a way that is unfair.
The company faced lawsuits due to its discriminatory hiring practices.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're picking teams for a game, and you *only* pick the people who are wearing blue. That's a little bit like being discriminatory. It's like you're being unfair to the people not wearing blue, just because of what they're wearing!
👶 For kids: When you're being unfair to someone because of how they look or where they come from.
More Examples
The legislation aims to prevent discriminatory behavior in the workplace.
She was the victim of discriminatory treatment based on her age.
How It's Used
"Discriminatory hiring practices are illegal in many countries."
"Discriminatory attitudes can lead to social injustice."
Idioms & expressions
Reverse discrimination
Discrimination against a dominant or majority group, usually in favor of a minority.
"Some argue that affirmative action policies can lead to reverse discrimination."
Discrimination suit
A lawsuit filed based on claims of discriminatory practices.
"The employee filed a discrimination suit against their former employer."
From Late Latin *discriminatorius*, from Latin *discriminare* ('to distinguish, differentiate'), from *discrimen* ('distinction, difference').
The word gained greater prominence during the civil rights movement and other struggles for social justice in the 20th century, often used in legal and political contexts.
Memory tip
Think of 'discrimen' (difference). Discriminatory actions highlight differences to the disadvantage of someone.
Word Origin
"distinction, difference"