____ in the workplace refers to unequal treatment based on factors such as age, disability, race, national origin, religion, or gender.

Discrimination in the workplace is defined as the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on specific characteristics such as age, disability, race, national origin, religion, or gender. This kind of treatment can manifest in various ways, including hiring practices, job assignments, promotions, or termination processes, and it creates an unequal environment that violates principles of fairness and equality.

In contrast, diversity refers to the inclusion of individuals from various backgrounds and the appreciation of their differences. Affirmative action is a policy aimed at increasing opportunities for historically marginalized groups, often in response to past discrimination, while sexual harassment involves unwanted or inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature that creates a hostile work environment. Each of these terms addresses different aspects of workplace dynamics, but discrimination specifically relates to the unequal treatment of individuals based on their inherent characteristics.