Discrimination usually means treating a person or group unfairly because of a characteristic such as race, sex, age, religion, disability, or another identity. In a sentence, name the treatment and, when known, the reason: “The report described discrimination based on disability.” The word also has a less common, neutral meaning: the ability to notice or judge differences, as in “a reader with discrimination.” Context tells you which sense is intended.
How to use “discrimination” in a sentence
The noun discrimination commonly appears in three patterns: discrimination against a person or group, discrimination based on a characteristic, and discrimination in a setting such as hiring or housing. For example, “The study examined discrimination against older workers,” “The complaint alleged discrimination based on religion,” and “The organization reviewed discrimination in housing.” These patterns help make a sentence specific without assuming more than the evidence shows.
When a claim has not been established, use words such as reported, alleged, or claimed: “The workers reported discrimination in promotion decisions.” When a finding has been made, identify who made it: “The investigation found that the policy treated applicants differently because of race.” This distinction keeps a sentence accurate and fair to the people involved.
Discrimination examples by context
| Context | Example sentence | What the sentence says |
|---|---|---|
| Work | “The employee reported discrimination after being denied training because of her pregnancy.” | A report links a workplace decision with a characteristic. |
| School | “The district reviewed a complaint alleging discrimination against students with disabilities.” | The complaint is an allegation being reviewed. |
| Housing | “The research team studied possible discrimination in rental applications.” | The sentence describes a research question. |
| Public services | “The audit looked for differences in how residents were treated at the service counter.” | The audit compares treatment without deciding the cause in advance. |
| Everyday life | “Mina said the club’s rule excluded her because of her religion.” | The speaker explains why she believed a rule was unfair. |
Choosing precise, respectful wording
Discrimination is a serious word, so a strong sentence gives readers enough information to understand the claim. Say who made the decision, who was affected, what happened, and what reason is alleged or documented. “The supervisor discriminated” is broad; “The worker alleged that the supervisor denied her a shift because of her religion” identifies the claim and its source. If the reason is unknown, do not guess: “The review found that applicants received different interview rates; it did not determine why.”
Prefer direct descriptions of people and groups. For example, write “people with disabilities” or use the language a community prefers; avoid labels that reduce people to a diagnosis or imply that a whole group is the same. If a sentence concerns a real person, include only personal details that are relevant and appropriate to the context.
Not every difference in treatment is discrimination, and the everyday meaning of the word is broader than a legal finding. Laws define covered characteristics and settings in different ways, and the relevant standards depend on location and context. In the United States, for instance, federal employment protections address specified grounds and workplace situations; school, housing, and public-service questions may involve different rules and agencies. A sentence should not call conduct illegal unless a qualified authority or reliable finding supports that conclusion.
Discrimination in a sentence for students
For younger readers, explain the word in plain language while keeping the example grounded: “The teacher said it was discrimination to leave a student out because of her skin color.” You can also make a sentence about fairness without claiming a legal conclusion: “Our class talked about treating classmates with respect.” These examples teach the idea while avoiding the suggestion that every disagreement or rule is discrimination.
When writing about history, identify the time and place. “The law allowed discrimination against the group” is clearer when followed by which law, whom it affected, and what changed. Historical examples should explain the policy or action, rather than repeat stereotypes about the people targeted.
Related forms and useful distinctions
Discriminate is the verb: “The policy may discriminate against applicants who need an accommodation.” Discriminatory is the adjective: “The review questioned whether the rule was discriminatory.” Discriminating can mean unfairly distinguishing between people, but in formal use it can also describe careful taste or judgment, as in “a discriminating reader.” In that positive sense, it is unrelated to unfair treatment.
Bias means a tendency or preference that can affect judgment; prejudice is a preconceived opinion, often about a group; and discrimination usually refers to treatment or an action. The ideas can be connected, but they are not interchangeable. A person may hold a bias without a sentence showing what action followed; to describe discrimination, include the treatment or decision.
Quick questions
What is a simple sentence with “discrimination”?
“The report examined discrimination in hiring.” This sentence names the subject of the report without claiming what it found.
Is every unfair action discrimination?
Not necessarily. In everyday language, discrimination often means unfair treatment tied to a characteristic. Legal definitions are more specific and depend on the setting and jurisdiction.
Can “discrimination” have a positive meaning?
Yes, though it is less common. “She has discrimination in choosing wines” means she has refined judgment. Most readers associate the word with unfair treatment, so context helps make the intended meaning clear.
Sources
- Cambridge Dictionary: “discrimination” records both unfair-treatment and discernment senses.
- Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries: “discrimination” provides definitions and usage examples for the noun.
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: What Is Employment Discrimination? explains the employment context and covered grounds in the United States.
- U.S. EEOC: Federal Laws Prohibiting Job Discrimination summarizes the scope of federal workplace protections.
Discrimination, the unfair treatment of individuals based on specific traits or characteristics, remains a pervasive issue in society. This practice involves prejudice and bias against certain groups, often leading to unequal opportunities and negative experiences for those targeted.
From race and gender to age and abilities, discrimination can manifest in various forms, including employment decisions, access to resources, and interactions in daily life. Understanding the impact of discrimination is crucial in fostering equality and advocating for justice in communities worldwide.
7 Examples Of Discrimination Used In a Sentence For Kids
- Everyone should be treated with kindness and respect, no matter what.
- Discrimination is when we treat someone unfairly because they are different from us.
- We should always celebrate our differences and learn from each other.
- It is important to be inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
- We can make the world a better place by standing up against discrimination.
- Let’s spread love and compassion instead of discrimination.
- Remember, we are all unique and special in our own way.
14 Sentences with Discrimination Examples
- Despite having the same qualifications, discrimination in the job market results in one caste being hired over another.
- There is a clear pattern of discrimination against students from certain states when it comes to admission to prestigious colleges.
- Discrimination based on gender often manifests in unequal treatment of students during classroom discussions.
- The lack of accessible facilities for students with disabilities is a form of discrimination that needs to be addressed.
- Discrimination against LGBTQ+ students can create a hostile environment on college campuses.
- The imposition of dress codes that differ based on gender is a form of discrimination that reinforces stereotypes.
- Students from marginalized communities often face discrimination in opportunities for research internships and scholarships.
- Discrimination against students belonging to minority religions can lead to exclusion from campus events and activities.
- The prevalence of language discrimination can be seen in the way regional dialects are mocked or looked down upon in academic settings.
- Discrimination based on economic status can lead to disparities in access to resources like textbooks and technology.
- Faculty members engaging in grading discrimination may unintentionally disadvantage students from certain backgrounds.
- Discrimination against students based on their physical appearance can have a detrimental impact on their self-esteem and mental health.
- Prejudice and discrimination against certain majors can influence students’ choices and limit their academic pursuits.
- The perpetuation of caste-based discrimination through interactions and social hierarchies on campus can inhibit the development of an inclusive learning environment.
How To Use Discrimination in Sentences?
Discrimination can be used effectively in a sentence to convey a specific meaning. Discrimination means the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things. Here is a guide on how to use discrimination in a sentence:
- The company was accused of discrimination when it was revealed that they were paying certain employees less based on their gender.
- Discrimination based on race is illegal in many countries and is considered a violation of human rights.
- The organization implemented policies to prevent any form of discrimination in the workplace.
- The court ruled in favor of the employee, stating that she had faced discrimination due to her disability.
- It is important to educate people about the harmful effects of discrimination and promote equality for all.
By using discrimination in a sentence, you can highlight instances of unfair treatment or bias based on certain characteristics. Remember to provide context and clarity when using the word to ensure that your message is effectively communicated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the examples of sentences with discrimination highlight the harmful impact of prejudices and biases on individuals in various contexts. Discrimination, whether based on race, gender, or any other characteristic, perpetuates inequality and injustices in society. These sentences emphasize the importance of promoting inclusivity, respect, and fairness to create a more equitable and just world.
By acknowledging and addressing discriminatory language and behavior, we can work towards building a society that values diversity and celebrates the uniqueness of every individual. It is crucial to challenge discriminatory attitudes and strive for a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected, free from prejudice and discrimination.
