“Discrimination” has two important senses: unfair treatment based on a characteristic, and the more neutral ability or act of distinguishing between things. The right alternative depends entirely on which sense is intended.
Which Meaning of “Discrimination” Fits Best?
Here are 12 options for “Discrimination,” with the distinction and a natural example for each.
As a quick guide, Prejudice, Bias, Unequal treatment, and Unfair treatment cover some of the most common wording choices around “Discrimination.” The remaining options are more useful when the sentence calls for a narrower sense, a different register, or a particular grammatical setting. The examples below show those distinctions in ordinary sentences.
- Prejudice
- Bias
- Unequal treatment
- Unfair treatment
- Bigotry
- Partiality
- Favoritism
- Exclusion
- Segregation
- Marginalization
- Distinction
- Discernment
Prejudice
Prejudice works when the intended sense of “Discrimination” centers on unfair treatment, bias, or the neutral act of distinguishing; it may carry a more specific tone or implication.
Example: The complaint alleged prejudice against applicants from a particular background.
Bias
Bias overlaps with “Discrimination” in contexts involving unfair treatment, bias, or the neutral act of distinguishing, but it is not interchangeable in every sentence.
Example: The review found evidence of bias in how cases were selected.
Unequal treatment
Choose Unequal treatment when the sentence is mainly about unfair treatment, bias, or the neutral act of distinguishing and this wording matches the level of precision you need.
Example: The policy created unequal treatment between two otherwise similar groups.
Unfair treatment
Unfair treatment is a useful substitute where “Discrimination” refers to unfair treatment, bias, or the neutral act of distinguishing, with its exact nuance shaped by the surrounding sentence.
Example: She reported unfair treatment after being repeatedly denied the same opportunities as colleagues.
Bigotry
Bigotry works when the intended sense of “Discrimination” centers on unfair treatment, bias, or the neutral act of distinguishing; it may carry a more specific tone or implication.
Example: The speech was condemned for openly promoting bigotry.
Partiality
Partiality overlaps with “Discrimination” in contexts involving unfair treatment, bias, or the neutral act of distinguishing, but it is not interchangeable in every sentence.
Example: The judge stepped aside to avoid any appearance of partiality.
Favoritism
Choose Favoritism when the sentence is mainly about unfair treatment, bias, or the neutral act of distinguishing and this wording matches the level of precision you need.
Example: Staff objected to favoritism in the allocation of desirable shifts.
Exclusion
Exclusion is a useful substitute where “Discrimination” refers to unfair treatment, bias, or the neutral act of distinguishing, with its exact nuance shaped by the surrounding sentence.
Example: The new rules reduced the exclusion of people without online access.
Segregation
Segregation works when the intended sense of “Discrimination” centers on unfair treatment, bias, or the neutral act of distinguishing; it may carry a more specific tone or implication.
Example: The history lesson examined laws that enforced segregation.
Marginalization
Marginalization overlaps with “Discrimination” in contexts involving unfair treatment, bias, or the neutral act of distinguishing, but it is not interchangeable in every sentence.
Example: The report described the marginalization of smaller communities in local decision-making.
Distinction
Choose Distinction when the sentence is mainly about unfair treatment, bias, or the neutral act of distinguishing and this wording matches the level of precision you need.
Example: The policy makes a distinction between temporary and permanent residents.
Discernment
Discernment is a useful substitute where “Discrimination” refers to unfair treatment, bias, or the neutral act of distinguishing, with its exact nuance shaped by the surrounding sentence.
Example: Good discernment is needed to separate reliable evidence from weak claims.
Choosing the Right Wording for “Discrimination”
For unfair treatment, “prejudice,” “bias,” “favoritism,” “exclusion,” and “marginalization” may fit. For the neutral sense of telling things apart, “distinction” and “discernment” are much more accurate.