A1 noun Formal

discrimination

/dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃən/

Discrimination is when a person or group is treated unfairly because of who they are. It often happens because of a person's race, age, gender, or religion.

Examples

3 of 5
1

He felt sad because of the discrimination at the shop.

He felt sad because of the discrimination at the shop.

2

The law protects people from discrimination in the workplace.

The law protects people from discrimination in the workplace.

3

That is just discrimination and it's not fair.

That is just discrimination and it's not fair.

Word Family

Noun
discrimination
Verb
discriminate
Adverb
discriminatorily
Adjective
discriminatory
Related
discriminator
💡

Memory Tip

Remember that discrimination is like a 'CRIME' (the word 'crim' is inside) against someone's rights.

Quick Quiz

The new law helps to stop ____ against older workers.

Correct!

The correct answer is: discrimination

Examples

1

He felt sad because of the discrimination at the shop.

everyday

He felt sad because of the discrimination at the shop.

2

The law protects people from discrimination in the workplace.

formal

The law protects people from discrimination in the workplace.

3

That is just discrimination and it's not fair.

informal

That is just discrimination and it's not fair.

4

Researchers are studying the effects of social discrimination.

academic

Researchers are studying the effects of social discrimination.

5

Our company has a policy against discrimination during hiring.

business

Our company has a policy against discrimination during hiring.

Word Family

Noun
discrimination
Verb
discriminate
Adverb
discriminatorily
Adjective
discriminatory
Related
discriminator

Common Collocations

racial discrimination racial discrimination
gender discrimination gender discrimination
age discrimination age discrimination
fight against discrimination fight against discrimination
victim of discrimination victim of discrimination

Common Phrases

direct discrimination

direct discrimination

positive discrimination

positive discrimination

price discrimination

price discrimination

Often Confused With

discrimination vs prejudice

Prejudice is an internal feeling or opinion, while discrimination is the external action or treatment.

📝

Usage Notes

Use this word when discussing the unfair treatment of people in society or under the law.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Do not confuse it with 'distinction', which simply means seeing the difference between two things.

💡

Memory Tip

Remember that discrimination is like a 'CRIME' (the word 'crim' is inside) against someone's rights.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'discriminare', which means to divide or distinguish.

Grammar Patterns

Uncountable noun in most contexts Often followed by 'against' (e.g., discrimination against women) Can be used with 'in' (e.g., discrimination in the workplace)
🌍

Cultural Context

In many Western cultures, there are strict legal protections to prevent discrimination in housing and employment.

Quick Quiz

The new law helps to stop ____ against older workers.

Correct!

The correct answer is: discrimination

More law words

prosecutor

A1

A prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the government. Their job is to show a court that someone has committed a crime.

defendant

A1

A defendant is a person or organization that is being accused of a crime or is being sued in a court of law. This person is required to answer the legal charges brought against them by another party.

plaintiff

A1

A person or group who brings a legal case against another in a court of law. They are the ones starting the lawsuit because they believe they have been wronged.

jury

A1

A group of ordinary people chosen to listen to the facts of a trial in a court of law. They listen to the evidence and decide if a person is guilty or not guilty.

lawsuit

A1

A lawsuit is a legal case where one person or group brings a disagreement to a court of law for a judge to decide. It usually happens when someone wants money or a specific action from another person because of a problem or injury.

proof

A1

Proof is a fact or a piece of information that shows something is true. In a legal context, it is what a person uses to convince a judge or jury that a crime happened.

misdemeanor

A1

A misdemeanor is a minor crime that is less serious than a felony. It is usually punished by a fine or a short period of time in a local jail rather than a state prison.

sentence

A1

A sentence is a punishment given by a judge to someone who has been found guilty of a crime. It explains how much time a person must spend in prison or how much money they must pay as a fine.

bail

A1

Bail is a sum of money paid to a court so that a person who has been accused of a crime can stay out of jail until their trial starts. If the person shows up for their court date, the money is usually returned.

fraud

A1

Fraud is the illegal act of tricking someone to get their money or property. It is a crime where a person lies or hides the truth to gain an unfair advantage.

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