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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Research is ongoing into fusing modalities to achieve more generalized artificial intelligence. James Barrat, Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025 Relying on generalized language in a privacy policy or bundling biometric processing into broader agreements will likely fall short. Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 The work of these, and many other venerable professions should not draw generalized comments on their service in such unflattering terms. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025 One of the ways to succeed in the age of AI is to leverage expertise to work productively with more generalized AI tools. Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for generalized

Word History

First Known Use

1768, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of generalized was in 1768

Cite this Entry

“Generalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generalized. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on generalized

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