generalist

noun

gen·​er·​al·​ist ˈjen-rə-list How to pronounce generalist (audio)
ˈje-nə-
: one whose skills, interests, or habits are varied or unspecialized

Examples of generalist in a Sentence

The staff includes both generalists and specialists.
Recent Examples on the Web Even within the field of engineering, not all degrees are equal; Those with more specialist engineering qualifications, like aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, and industrial engineering, end up earning slightly more than generalists. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2024 Some brokers might have a niche focus on a specific industry, such as CPA firms, for instance, while others are more generalists. Petr Marek, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 That’s why his team is always on the lookout for generalists. IEEE Spectrum, 21 Nov. 2023 The fund had previously operated more independently and invested as a generalist, focusing on financial returns. Rachyl Jones, Fortune, 17 Jan. 2024 Additionally, snakes specialize on food sources, while lizards are more likely to be generalists, according to the study. Popular Science, 22 Feb. 2024 Conducive to this are HR practices that allow people to be specialists, not generalists, for example annual appraisals that aren’t overly rigid on precise competencies and allow for overall contribution to be personalized. Nancy Doyle, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 The apex predators are considered opportunistic generalists, meaning that what wolves eat varies depending on the food sources available to them. Sage Marshall, Field & Stream, 31 Jan. 2024 At the very least, the revelations have raised questions about Ms. Willis’s motivation for hiring Mr. Wade, a legal generalist who appears to act as a sort of player-manager for the prosecution’s multi-lawyer team. Richard Fausset, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2024

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

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of generalist was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near generalist

Cite this Entry

“Generalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generalist. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

generalist

noun
gen·​er·​al·​ist ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ləst How to pronounce generalist (audio)
: a person whose skills or interests extend to several different fields

Medical Definition

generalist

noun
gen·​er·​al·​ist ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ləst How to pronounce generalist (audio)
: an individual whose skills or interests extend to several different medical fields
especially : general practitioner

More from Merriam-Webster on generalist

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