Nonsexist
What it means
Free from prejudice or unfair treatment based on sex.
Reach for it when describing language or conduct that avoids sex-based prejudice and exclusion
Editors replaced the dated wording with a clear, nonsexist alternative.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional |
|
| formal |
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everyday
Fits when preference based on sex is absent
Careful Unbiased is a strong claim about process and outcome.
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warm
Fits when welcome and participation across groups are central
Careful Inclusive is broader and can be vague.
-
professional
gender-fair
Fits when equitable treatment across genders is explicit
Careful Fairness requires more than neutral wording.
-
professional
gender-neutral
Fits when a label or rule makes no gender distinction
Careful Neutrality can preserve unequal effects.
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formal
Fits when equal status is the guiding principle
Careful Egalitarian applies beyond sex and gender.
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formal
Fits when different barriers are addressed fairly
Careful Equitable action may intentionally be non-neutral.
Opposites 3
- sexist
- misogynistic
- discriminatory
Common phrases 3
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nonsexist language
Editors adopted nonsexist language throughout the revised handbook.
-
nonsexist workplace
A nonsexist workplace needs fair pay as well as polite speech.
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clear and nonsexist
The replacement wording was clear and nonsexist.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Nonsexist is a baseline absence-of-harm claim, not proof that a policy is equitable for every gender.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated