Definition of affirmative action
: an active effort to improve the employment or educational opportunities of members of minority groups and women sought to achieve a multicultural staff through affirmative action; also : a similar effort to promote the rights or progress of other disadvantaged persons
First Known Use of affirmative action
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of affirmative action for English Language Learners
: the practice of improving the educational and job opportunities of members of groups that have not been treated fairly in the past because of their race, sex, etc.
Legal Definition of affirmative action
: an active effort (as through legislation) to improve the employment or educational opportunities of members of minority groups or women
Learn More about affirmative action
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about affirmative action
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