Word
discriminatory
Phoneticsdis·crim·i·na·to·ry, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪsˈkɹɪmənəˌtɔɹi/
UK/dɪskɹˈɪmɪnətəɹˌi/
Definitions
01unfair or biased
B2 · Upper Intermediate Law
adj. treating a person or group unfairly because of their race, gender, age, or other features.
adj. characterised by or showing prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.
“The company was criticized for its discriminatory hiring practices that favored younger candidates.”
“Legal experts argued that the new zoning laws were inherently discriminatory, as they disproportionately affected low-income families in the urban center.”
Synonyms
02making distinctions
C1 · Advanced Science Academic · Formal
adj. able to see or show the difference between things very clearly.
adj. relating to the ability to perceive or make fine distinctions between similar things.
“A discriminatory ear for music helps a person tell the difference between very similar notes.”
“The study required a highly discriminatory method of analysis to separate the subtle chemical variations in the soil samples.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“The discriminatory practice of basing mortgage eligibility on these maps, known as redlining, limited opportunities for homeownership and wealth creation among minority populations.” “Last year, the women’s national team threatened to boycott the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup over what the players described as discriminatory treatment.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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