specialization

noun

spe·​cial·​i·​za·​tion ˌspe-sh(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce specialization (audio)
1
: a making or becoming specialized
2
a
: structural adaptation of a body part to a particular function or of an organism for life in a particular environment
b
: a body part or an organism adapted by specialization

Examples of specialization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There's also a level of specialization in Japan, which is quite different from how people train here. Jessica Carbone, Saveur, 3 Apr. 2024 Image The counties in the south of the state — little more than an hour from Boston — have more juvenile cases, allowing for more specialization in juvenile law among defense lawyers, prosecutors and judges, which could affect how cases are resolved. Callie Ferguson Ashley L. Conti, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2024 She was told that her grades didn’t meet the requirements for this specialization. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 18 Mar. 2024 The need for specialization in the labor market is arguably greater than ever. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2023 Insights from Accounting Professionals Transitioning from CPA to a specialization in tax involves strategic planning and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 Additionally, the level of expertise, specialization in high-demand areas, geographic location, and the size of their organization can significantly influence tax preparer and CPA salaries. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 Yet with the increasing specialization, differentiation, and strategic nature of GenAI applications, the development methodologies and technological infrastructure are expected to evolve accordingly. Stoyan Mitov, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Immigration policy became his specialization during his tenure in Congress, and McConnell last year selected him to represent the GOP in negotiations as the top-ranking Republican on the Homeland Security panel’s Government Operations and Border Management Subcommittee. USA TODAY, 8 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'specialization.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specialization was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near specialization

Cite this Entry

“Specialization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specialization. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

specialization

noun
spe·​cial·​i·​za·​tion ˌspesh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce specialization (audio)
1
: a making or becoming specialized
2
a
: a change in the structure of a body part so that it becomes suited for performing a particular function or of a whole plant or animal so that it is suited for life in a particular environment
b
: a body part or an organism changed by specialization

Medical Definition

specialization

noun
spe·​cial·​iza·​tion ˌspesh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce specialization (audio)
variants also British specialisation
1
: a making or becoming specialized
specialization in pediatrics
2
a
: structural adaptation of a body part to a particular function or of an organism for life in a particular environment
b
: a body part or an organism adapted by specialization

More from Merriam-Webster on specialization

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