What does sexist mean?
Sexist is an adjective describing prejudice, discrimination, or hostility directed at someone because of their sex or gender. It may describe a person’s attitudes, as well as language, advertising, workplace practices, media portrayals, or institutional policies. In everyday use, the term often identifies conduct that treats people unequally or reinforces conventional gender stereotypes. It is related to, but distinct from, sexual, which concerns sex or sexuality itself, and to sexism, which names the broader practice or system of discrimination. Using sexist accurately can require attention to context: criticism may concern explicit insults, unequal opportunities, objectification, or the exclusion of people from roles associated with another gender. The word is widely used in public, academic, workplace, and legal discussions and is generally strongly negative.
Exhibiting or expressing prejudice or discrimination based on sex or gender.
"The company revised its policy after employees described it as sexist."
The adjective is normally negative and is commonly paired with words such as attitude, language, policy, stereotype, and discrimination.
A person whose views or behavior are discriminatory on the basis of sex or gender.
"He was widely regarded as a sexist because he consistently treated his female colleagues as less capable."
As a countable noun, it takes the plural sexists.
Used when referring to more than one person characterized by sexist attitudes or behavior.
"The article criticized sexists who dismiss the experiences of women in the workplace."
A word for prejudice can itself become a powerful tool for naming and challenging prejudice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sexist come from?
The word was formed in the 20th century from sex and the suffix -ist, a suffix used to denote a person associated with a particular activity, belief, or characteristic. Its development reflects the growth of the related term sexism, which became prominent during the second half of the 20th century as gender discrimination was increasingly discussed in public and legal contexts. The elements also connect with sexual, sexuality, and sexology, all of which derive from the Latin root sex.
Related word forms
How sexist is actually used
Generally used critically and with a negative connotation. It can describe an individual, a statement, a practice, or an institution. The related noun sexism is used for the broader social or systemic phenomenon.
Easily confused with sexist
A sexist person or behavior is biased or discriminatory, whereas sexism names the broader system or practice of discrimination based on sex or gender.
Sexual describes matters involving sex or sexuality, while sexist describes prejudice or discrimination based on sex or gender.