Discrimination is the unfair or prejudicial treatment of people and groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or sexual orientation. That's the simple answer.
The original, neutral sense of discrimination, "the act of distinguishing," came into English by the early 17th century, followed by the positive one associated with superior discernment in the 18th century. Discrimination in the "prejudice" sense has been in use since the early 19th century, almost 200 years ago.
1. unfair treatment of a person, racial group, minority, etc; action based on prejudice. 2. subtle appreciation in matters of taste.
Discrimination is the unfair or prejudicial treatment of people and groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or sexual orientation.
Noun. 1. an act or instance of discriminating. 2. treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit.
To discriminate against a group of people or in favor of a group of people means to unfairly treat them worse or better than other groups. They believe the law discriminates against women. legislation which would discriminate in favor of racial minorities.