English Reference
adjective · verb

discriminating

adj. · v.
US /dɪsˈkɹɪməˌneɪtɪŋ/ UK /dɪskɹˈɪmɪnˌeɪtɪŋ/ dis·crim·i·nat·ing

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Formal

    adj.having excellent taste and the ability to judge the quality of something accurately.

    adj.possessing or showing refined judgment and the ability to perceive fine distinctions in quality or style.

    Simple

    A discriminating collector only buys the finest examples of modern art.

    In context

    The boutique caters to a discriminating clientele who value artisanal craftsmanship over mass-produced luxury goods.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes.

    undiscriminatinguncritical
  2. 02 C1 Advanced TechnicalAcademic Science

    adj.able to see or notice small differences between similar things.

    adj.capable of making precise distinctions between similar stimuli or concepts.

    Simple

    The test is discriminating enough to find tiny errors in the software.

    In context

    The study required a highly discriminating method of analysis to separate the various chemical isotopes present in the sample.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    v.treating a person or group worse than others because of their skin colour, gender, or age.

    v.the act of making an unjust or prejudicial distinction in the treatment of different categories of people.

    Simple

    The company was accused of discriminating against older workers during the layoffs.

    In context

    International law prohibits discriminating against individuals based on their religious beliefs or ethnic background.

    Usage

    Usually followed by the preposition 'against'.

In a post on X on Thursday, Cofnas said: “I am under investigation by my university for discriminating against Arday.” He added in a separate post: “I was just suspended by Ghent University.

The Guardian· 20 Aug 2026

Nathan Cofnas says he is being investigated for discriminating against the late Cambridge professor.

BBC News· 20 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated