prejudicial
adjective
prej·u·di·cial
ˌpre-jə-ˈdi-shəl 
1
: tending to injure or impair : detrimental
a transfer prejudicial to other creditors
2
: leading to premature judgment or unwarranted opinion
prejudicial evidence
Synonyms
Examples of prejudicial in a Sentence
The judge ruled that the prejudicial effect of the evidence outweighed its value.
pretrial publicity that may be extremely prejudicial to a defendant's right to a fair trial
Recent Examples on the Web
How Weinstein verdict was overturned Mr. Weinstein’s legal team successfully argued that the New York trial judge had erred in allowing witness testimony about prejudicial acts for which the defendant was not charged.
—
Ali Martin, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Apr. 2024
The countries had to be honest with themselves about their shortfalls in international comparison and admit that their previous arrangements were corrupt and prejudicial.
—Adam S. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021
But these statistics can be deceptive due to several factors, including prejudicial practices and the effects of anti-Blackness and colorism that remain pervasive throughout Latine communities.
—Priscilla Blossom, Parents, 29 May 2024
The initial prosecutors also made statements about holding Baldwin responsible for his actions, prompting criticism from defense attorneys that such commentary was prejudicial against the actor.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for prejudicial 
Ali Martin, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Apr. 2024
The countries had to be honest with themselves about their shortfalls in international comparison and admit that their previous arrangements were corrupt and prejudicial.
—Adam S. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021
But these statistics can be deceptive due to several factors, including prejudicial practices and the effects of anti-Blackness and colorism that remain pervasive throughout Latine communities.
—Priscilla Blossom, Parents, 29 May 2024
The initial prosecutors also made statements about holding Baldwin responsible for his actions, prompting criticism from defense attorneys that such commentary was prejudicial against the actor.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for prejudicial
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prejudicial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near prejudicial
Cite this Entry
“Prejudicial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prejudicial. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prejudicial
adjective
prej·u·di·cial
ˌprej-ə-ˈdish-əl
: tending to cause damage : detrimental
Legal Definition
prejudicial
adjective
prej·u·di·cial
ˌpre-jə-ˈdi-shəl
: having the effect of prejudice: as
a
: tending to injure or impair rights
such a transfer would be prejudicial to other creditors
b
: leading to a decision or judgment on an improper basis
the evidence was excluded because it was more prejudicial than probative
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