Discrimination: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate in situations where unfair treatment is based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or religion.

• She faced discrimination at work because of her ethnicity.
• Laws are in place to prevent discrimination in schools.

Often used when referring to preconceived opinions not based on reason or actual experience. It generally has a negative connotation.

• His prejudice against people from different backgrounds is troubling.
• Efforts are being made to reduce racial prejudice in the community.

Use in contexts where there is a tendency or inclination for or against something or someone in an unfair way. It can be conscious or unconscious.

• The judge was accused of bias in favor of the defendant.
• Media bias can shape public opinion.

Best used when discussing the lack of equality, particularly in social, economic, or educational status.

• Economic inequality is a significant issue in many countries.
• There is a growing concern about gender inequality in the workplace.

When someone is treated unfairly based on characteristics like race, gender, age, or religion. It typically has a negative connotation.

• She was a victim of discrimination at her workplace because of her gender.
• Laws are in place to prevent discrimination in hiring practices.

Used when distinguishing between two or more things based on their distinct characteristics. It does not have a negative connotation.

• The differentiation between the two products is mainly in their features.
• Teachers use differentiation techniques to cater to the diverse learning needs of students.

When someone unfairly gives special treatment to a person or group over others. This word carries a negative connotation.

• The manager showed favoritism by promoting his friend over more qualified employees.
• Favoritism can lead to a decrease in team morale and productivity.

Indicates a biased preference towards something or someone. It generally has a negative connotation.

• The judge was accused of partiality in his decision.
• Her partiality towards sweet foods is apparent from her shopping list.

Use this word when you are referring to unfair treatment based on characteristics like race, gender, or age.

• Racial discrimination is illegal in many countries.
• She faced discrimination at work solely because she was a woman.

Employ this word when highlighting a difference between things or suggesting a special recognition or honor for someone.

• There is a clear distinction between right and wrong.
• She graduated with distinction.

This term should be used when acknowledging someone's achievement or identifying something/someone you've seen before.

• He received recognition for his hard work.
• Her recognition of the old friend's face in the crowd was immediate.

This word is used when talking about the ability to judge well or understand the difference between things, often in a complex or nuanced way.

• Her discernment in choosing the right words for the speech was impressive.
• Good discernment is crucial for a judge.