noun
discrimination
dih-skrim-ih-NAY-shun/dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃn/
The making of distinctions between people or things.
The employer shows racial discrimination by rejecting an equally qualified applicant.
Etymology
The underlying 'distinction' first referred to observing or marking a difference. In the unfair-treatment sense, those distinctions are prejudicial: people are treated differently because they belong to a particular class or group.
In context
Discrimination law is specific. You have to show bias based on a protected category, meaning your age, your race, your sex, your gender, disability.
More examples
- The hearing test measures discrimination between similar sounds.
- Choosing the best ingredients requires taste and discrimination.
- The law prohibits age discrimination in hiring.
Forms
discrimination
discriminate verb — To distinguish differences or treat people unequally.
discriminatory adjective — Showing unfair treatment based on group identity.
Similar words
- differentiation
- Emphasizes identifying differences, without necessarily involving judgment or unfairness.
- discernment
- Emphasizes sound judgment in recognizing meaningful or subtle differences.
- bias
- Describes a preference or prejudice, not necessarily unequal treatment.