discrimination

n. discernment; partiality, unequal treatment; ability to choose well (in matters of taste)

Most broadly, Discrimination is to recognize qualities and differences of certain things or persons and making choices based on those qualities. This article focuses on discrimination amongst people- that is, discrimination based on personal qualities. Discriminating between people on the grounds of merit is generally lawful in Western democracies. Discrimination on other grounds, such as skin color or religion, generally is not. When unlawful discrimination takes place, it is often described as discrimination against a person or group of people.
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Discrimination /dis·crim·i·na·tion/ the making of a fine distinction. [more]Discrimination - Community and Resources

Noun
1. unfair treatment of a person or group on the basis of prejudice
(synonym) favoritism, favouritism
(hypernym) social control
(hyponym) ableism, ablism, able-bodiedism, able-bodism
(derivation) discriminate, separate, single out
2. the cognitive process whereby two or more stimuli are distinguished
(synonym) secernment
(hypernym) basic cognitive process
(hyponym) differentiation, distinction
(derivation) discriminate

n. discrimination, unequal treatment; ability to choose well (in matters of taste), discernment; partiality