exclusion

noun

ex·​clu·​sion ik-ˈsklü-zhən 

1

: the act or an instance of excluding

2

: the state of being excluded

exclusionary

ik-ˈsklü-zhə-ˌner-ē 

adjective

Examples of exclusion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Out of all the Southern states, Mississippi has a special place in the struggle over Black Americans’ exclusion from the nation’s promises of freedom and justice. — Corey Williams, Los Angeles Times, 13 Nov. 2026

The hospital has issued an urgent appeal for humanitarian coordination and a tactical exclusion zone to protect its facility, patients and medical personnel from being mistakenly targeted or caught in the crossfire. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026

Check for exclusions such as flights, visas, aftercare at home, return travel and revision treatment. — Ascend Agency, Sun Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026

Before buying any type of travel coverage, take the time to compare coverage limits, exclusions, reimbursement requirements and optional benefits across multiple insurers. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin exclusion-, exclusio, from excludere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing exclusion

• exclusion principle
• Pauli exclusion principle
• self-exclusion
• to the exclusion of

Rhymes for exclusion

• allusion
• collusion
• conclusion
• confusion
• contusion
• delusion
• diffusion
• effusion
• extrusion
• illusion
• inclusion
• infusion

Medical Definition

exclusion

noun

ex·​clu·​sion iks-ˈklü-zhən 

: surgical separation of part of an organ from the rest without excision

exclude

iks-ˈklüd 

transitive verb

excluded; excluding

Legal Definition

exclusion

noun

ex·​clu·​sion ik-ˈsklü-zhən 

1

: the act of excluding or state of being excluded

specifically : refusal of entry into the U.S. by immigration officials

review of deportation and exclusion orders

compare deportation

2

: something that excludes or is excluded: as

a

: a part of an insurance contract that excludes specified risks from coverage compare condition, declaration

b

: an amount that is excluded from tax liability compare credit, deduction, exemption

exclusionary

-zhə-ˌner-ē 

adjective