generalized

adjective

gen·​er·​al·​ized ˈje-nə-rə-ˌlīzd How to pronounce generalized (audio)
ˈjen-rə-
: made general
especially : not highly differentiated biologically nor strictly adapted to a particular environment

Examples of generalized in a Sentence

The patient has been experiencing generalized pain.
Recent Examples on the Web Some of the justices, including Gorsuch and Samuel Alito, also pondered whether other federal evidentiary rules could be applied to keep out the more generalized testimony. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2024 But the Supreme Court’s decision in the 1978 Bakke case changed the legally permissible goals of affirmative action, turning it into a generalized diversity program. Nikole Hannah-Jones, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Many companies leave their recruiting to HR, where a single generalized team handles hiring for the entire organization. Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024 The medical system’s failures and harms against women gave rise to their pervasive vaccine skepticism and generalized medical mistrust. Johanna Richlin, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2024 Amid the generalized atmosphere of seaminess, the specifics of the main characters’ lives get elided. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2024 At the start of an exercise program, the body’s adaptations are more generalized. Randal Claytor, Discover Magazine, 30 Dec. 2023 Additionally, conduct generalized population testing to gauge diverse user perspectives. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 The initiative backers are plainly intent on riding generalized discontent with taxes to victory. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'generalized.' 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

1768, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of generalized was in 1768

Dictionary Entries Near generalized

Cite this Entry

“Generalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generalized. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

generalized

adjective
gen·​er·​al·​ized
variants or British generalised
1
a
: spread or extended throughout the body : affecting many parts of the body
generalized paralysis
generalized aches and pains
b
: affecting or involving all of a single part or region of the body
generalized back pain
generalized mouth soreness
2
: not highly differentiated biologically nor strictly adapted to a particular environment
a primitive generalized mammal
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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