Words / B2

di-skrim-i-NAYSHUN/dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃn/

Discrimination is unfair treatment based on group identity: racial discrimination; discrimination on the grounds of age. It can also mean fine judgement (a critic of discrimination and taste). Prejudice is an attitude; discrimination is often the act or system. Uncountable in the legal sense. Do not use it for any disappointment (“the referee’s discrimination”).

Meaning

Unfair treatment of a person or group; also the ability to see fine differences.

Examples

• “The tribunal found discrimination in the promotion process.”
• “The tribunal found discrimination in the shortlisting process.”
• “Age discrimination in job adverts is a recurring UK news story.”

Good to know

Uncountable (law): discrimination; discrimination against / on the grounds of. Attitude: prejudice. Taste sense is rarer and formal.

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