Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

redlining

noun

/ˈrɛdˌlaɪnɪŋ/

Definition

Redlining is the practice of denying services, typically financial ones, to residents of certain areas based on their racial or ethnic makeup.

Examples

The community faced economic hardships due to redlining policies that restricted access to affordable housing.
Many families were affected by redlining, which limited their opportunities for wealth accumulation.

Meaning

The term originated from the practice where banks and insurers would outline in red the areas they deemed risky for investment, often due to the predominance of minority populations.