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discrimination

noun
dis·​crim·​i·​na·​tion | \ di-ˌskri-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce discrimination (audio) \

Definition of discrimination

1a : prejudiced or prejudicial outlook, action, or treatment racial discrimination
b : the act, practice, or an instance of discriminating categorically rather than individually
2 : the quality or power of finely distinguishing the film viewed by those with discrimination
3a : the act of making or perceiving a difference : the act of discriminating a bloodhound's scent discrimination
b psychology : the process by which two stimuli differing in some aspect are responded to differently
Other Words from discrimination Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Discriminating Among Meanings of Discrimination More Example Sentences Learn More about discrimination

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Other Words from discrimination

discriminational \ di-​ˌskri-​mə-​ˈnā-​shnəl How to pronounce discriminational (audio) , -​shə-​nᵊl \ adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for discrimination

discernment, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind. discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art). the discernment to know true friends discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent. the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling). a novelist of keen perception into human motives penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial. lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy. a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment. a director of reliable box-office acumen

Discriminating Among Meanings of Discrimination

Discrimination has senses with neutral, positive, and negative connotations. On the one hand, it can refer to "the act (or power) of distinguishing" or to "good taste, refinement." These meanings, sometimes reinforced with modifiers (as in a fine or a nice discrimination), stress an ability to perceive differences as an index of unusual intelligence. On the other hand, when the perception of difference is marked by invidious distinction or hostility, the word (often followed by against) takes on very negative overtones, as in the senses "act of discriminating categorically rather than individually" (discrimination against women, age discrimination) and "a prejudiced outlook or course of action" (racial discrimination). The original, neutral sense of discrimination, "the act of distinguishing," came into English by the early 17th century, followed by the positive one associated with superior discernment in the 18th century. Discrimination in the "prejudice" sense has been in use since the early 19th century, almost 200 years ago.

Examples of discrimination in a Sentence

The law prohibits discrimination in hiring. He sued the company for age discrimination. the animal's impressive scent discrimination
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Right-wing critics, including Trump, have long claimed that an anti-conservative bias is baked into the tech industry's most popular products — though researchers have consistently failed to unearth systemic evidence of partisan discrimination. — Brian Fung, CNN, "Federal officials raise concerns about White House plan to police alleged social media censorship," 22 Aug. 2019 The current trial dealt only with the disability discrimination claim and the total award was $1,014,000. — Los Angeles Times, "LAPD officer wins more than $1 million in disability discrimination lawsuit," 21 Aug. 2019 Webb said that, initially, Motown struggled, not because the quality of the music was lacking, but because of discrimination. — Glenn Gamboa, chicagotribune.com, "Motown turns 60: A look at its influence, and Barry Gordy’s dream," 21 Aug. 2019 Her letter, published amid the struggle against gendered discrimination at the ballot box, revealed rifts in which groups of Americans most readily earned others’ sympathy and respect. — Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, "How Black Suffragettes Subverted the Domestic Sphere," 18 Aug. 2019 This is not just a tale of a young boy going to war but also a telling account of what life was like for a Jewish boy in a world filled with hatred and discrimination. — Sandra Dallas, The Denver Post, "Regional books: “This Boy’s War,” “The Dead Girl in 2A” and more," 18 Aug. 2019 YouTube’s troubles over its treatment of LGBTQ creators escalated yesterday when a group of those stars sued the platform and parent company Google over alleged discrimination. — Fortune, "Asking the Hard Questions About Universal Child Care: The Broadsheet," 16 Aug. 2019 Enslaved New Yorkers were freed by 1827; by 1873 racial discrimination was outlawed in the city. — The Economist, "Music and morals in New York’s ragtime age," 15 Aug. 2019 As attorney general in 1992, Doyle issued an opinion that Native American logos and mascots could violate state laws against discrimination. — Jr Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Resolution circulating among school boards calls for retiring Native American mascots," 14 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'discrimination.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of discrimination

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

History and Etymology for discrimination

see discriminate

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More Definitions for discrimination

discrimination

noun
How to pronounce discrimination (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of discrimination

: the practice of unfairly treating a person or group of people differently from other people or groups of people
: the ability to recognize the difference between things that are of good quality and those that are not
: the ability to understand that one thing is different from another thing

See the full definition for discrimination in the English Language Learners Dictionary

discrimination

noun
dis·​crim·​i·​na·​tion | \ di-ˌskri-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce discrimination (audio) \

Kids Definition of discrimination

1 : the practice of unfairly treating a person or group differently from other people or groups of people The law prohibits discrimination against the disabled.
2 : the ability to see differences Police use a dog's discrimination of smells.

discrimination

noun
dis·​crim·​i·​na·​tion | \ dis-ˌkrim-ə-ˈnā-shən

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