generalized

adjective

gen·​er·​al·​ized ˈje-nə-rə-ˌlīzd 

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

In a study published last year in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, Sayour treated mice with a generalized vaccine, using mRNA to stimulate production of a protein called PD-L1, making their tumors more susceptible to immunotherapy. —Caleb Hellerman, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026

There was a generalized perception among some in the Holy See that a powerful American who could stand up to another powerful American was a factor in Leo's selection. —USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026

Marouf said fear of generalized violence, or political or social upheaval at home, is also not a strong enough argument for asylum in most cases. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2026

Each entry in a report includes the defendant’s name, their mug shot, a generalized location and an arrest summary that includes charges, if the arrest resulted from a warrant, the warrant details and the arrest address. —Wendi C. Thomas, ProPublica, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1768, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing generalized

• generalized anxiety disorder

Rhymes for generalized

• americanized
• anathematized
• collateralized
• contextualized
• conventionalized
• demilitarized
• demineralized
• departmentalized
• industrialised
• industrialized
• materialised
• materialized

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