Phrase guide

reverse discrimination

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

The discrimination against members of a historically dominant or majority group, often in favor of minorities or disadvantaged groups, typically arising from affirmative action or equity policies aimed at remedying a past injustice.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Qualifier: public policy

Topics: ethics, human-sciences, law, philosophy, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: counterdiscrimination, positive discrimination

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 逆向歧視 /逆向歧视 (nìxiàng qíshì) — advantaging minority groups who have traditionally been discriminated
  • Dutch: positieve discriminatie — advantaging minority groups who have traditionally been discriminated
  • Finnish: käänteinen syrjintä — advantaging minority groups who have traditionally been discriminated
  • Finnish: positiivinen syrjintä — advantaging minority groups who have traditionally been discriminated
  • French: discrimination positive — advantaging minority groups who have traditionally been discriminated