anti-discrimination

Word family

• discriminate
  verbB2
• discrimination
  nounB2
• discriminatory
  adjectiveB2
• non-discriminatory
  adjectiveC1
• equal-opportunity
  adjectiveB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

Anti-discrimination, equal-opportunity, non-discriminatory, and inclusive all relate to fairness, but they differ in scope and use. Anti-discrimination (B2) is the most formal and legal of the four — it appears in laws, policies, and official rules that explicitly forbid unfair treatment. Equal-opportunity (B2) is narrower: it focuses on ensuring that everyone has the same chances in employment and education, often used as an attributive adjective (an equal-opportunity employer). Non-discriminatory (C1) describes the outcome — a process that does not discriminate — but is less commonly used in official policy language. Inclusive (B2) is broader and more positive: it goes beyond avoiding discrimination to actively creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. For example: 'The city passed an anti-discrimination ordinance' (legal measure) vs. 'The school promotes an inclusive classroom culture' (wider, everyday approach).

Common collocations

Etymology

Formed in English by combining the Greek prefix anti- (ἀντί, meaning 'against') with the Latin-derived noun discrimination (from Latin discriminare, 'to separate or distinguish'). The word entered widespread use during the civil rights movements of the mid-20th century, when governments began passing laws specifically designed to combat discrimination based on race, gender, and other characteristics.