# sexist

/ˈsɛksɪst/ (US) · /sˈɛksɪst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sexist
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. discriminatory

adjective · CEFR B2

treating someone unfairly or thinking they are less capable because of their sex.

For teachers: characterised by or showing prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination, typically against women, on the basis of sex.

- The manager was criticised for making sexist comments about his female employees.
- The company faced a lawsuit after several employees reported a sexist culture that systematically blocked women from reaching executive positions.

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

### 2. a prejudiced person

noun · CEFR B2

a person who believes that one sex is better than the other or treats people unfairly based on sex.

For teachers: a person who discriminates on the grounds of sex or subscribes to sexist ideologies.

- He didn't realise he was being a sexist when he assumed she couldn't fix the car.
- The politician was labelled a sexist by the press after he dismissed his opponent's arguments as mere emotional outbursts.

Usage: Often used as a pejorative label in social and political discourse.

## Examples

- He lost his job after making a sexist comment.
- The company was criticised for its sexist hiring practices that consistently overlooked qualified female candidates.
- Sociologists argue that sexist portrayals in media can reinforce harmful gender roles and limit the aspirations of young people from an early age.

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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.