# racist

/ˈɹeɪsɪst/ (US) · /ɹˈeɪsɪst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/racist
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a person with racial prejudice

noun · CEFR B2

someone who believes that some races are better than others or who treats people unfairly because of their skin colour.

For teachers: an individual who advocates for or practises discrimination based on the belief that certain races possess distinct characteristics that make them superior.

- The politician was widely criticised after he was revealed to be a racist.
- Sociologists distinguish between an individual who is an overt racist and the broader structures of systemic inequality that persist in society.

Usage: The noun is countable and often used as a strong pejorative.

### 2. showing racial prejudice

adjective · CEFR B2

describing a comment, law, or action that is unfair to people of a certain race.

For teachers: constituting, exhibiting, or pertaining to racism or racial prejudice.

- She decided to leave the company because of the racist jokes her boss made.
- The court ruled that the hiring policy was inherently racist as it disproportionately excluded candidates from specific ethnic backgrounds.

Usage: Commonly modifies nouns like 'comment', 'policy', 'attitude', or 'remark'.

## Examples

- He was called a racist after making those unfair comments.
- The politician faced heavy criticism and lost his seat after being identified as a racist by several former colleagues.
- Sociologists distinguish between the overt racist who expresses prejudice openly and the structural systems that can produce discriminatory outcomes without a single individual's conscious intent.

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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.