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

Not abstract, delayed or generalized data, but precise, real-time and location-specific insights delivered from the world’s most remote forests, deepest watersheds and most polluted urban corridors. —Michael De Nil, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

In fact, this is one of the criteria used to help diagnose generalized anxiety disorder.4 Anxiety can cause trouble with focus, or brain fog, for various reasons. —Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025

Research is ongoing into fusing modalities to achieve more generalized artificial intelligence. —James Barrat, Big Think, 2 Sep. 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

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