# prejudiced

/ˈpɹɛdʒədəst/ (US) · /pɹˈɛdʒuːdɪst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prejudiced
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. biased against a group

adjective · CEFR B2

having an unfair opinion or feeling about someone before you know them, often because of their race or background.

For teachers: holding preconceived, typically hostile or unfavourable, opinions about a person or group based on their identity rather than merit.

- The judge was removed from the case because he was prejudiced against the defendant.
- The study revealed that many employers remained unconsciously prejudiced against candidates with non-traditional educational backgrounds despite diversity training.

Usage: Usually followed by the preposition 'against' when specifying the target of the bias.

### 2. harmful to rights

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

causing harm to someone's legal rights or a situation.

For teachers: detrimental or damaging to a person's legal rights, interests, or a specific outcome.

- The delay in the trial was prejudiced to the victim's chance for a fair result.
- The court ruled that the premature release of the evidence was deeply prejudiced to the defendant's right to a fair trial.

Usage: Often appears in the phrase 'prejudiced to' or 'prejudiced against' one's interests.

## Examples

- He is prejudiced against people from other countries.
- The judge was removed from the case because his previous comments suggested he was prejudiced against the defendant.
- In a truly meritocratic society, hiring managers must actively work to ensure their decisions are not influenced by prejudiced assumptions regarding a candidate's background or education.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.