Treating one or more members of a specified group unfairly as compared with other people. What does the noun discrimination mean?Discrimination is an action or practice that excludes, disadvantages, or merely differentiates between individuals or groups of individuals There are four meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective discriminating. Direct discrimination. This is where somebody is directly treated unfairly or less favourably due to a protected characteristic. Meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary. The meaning of DISCRIMINATION is prejudiced or prejudicial outlook, action, or treatment. How to use discrimination in a sentence. Discrimination means treating a person 'less favourably' than someone else, because of protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010.