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

Rather than pursuing generalized robotics applications, Mbodi AI is focused on solving specific, high-value challenges. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026

January's wave of protests in Iran was sparked by economic discontent and eventually widened to encompass more generalized fury over the regime's system of repression. —Nbc News, NBC news, 13 Mar. 2026

But the lessons from the generalized version of special relativity — general relativity — which includes gravitation, goes well beyond our Solar System. —Big Think, 12 Mar. 2026

In this new era of stakeholder management, however, broad frameworks, generalized commitments, and aspirational language are obsolete. —Martin Whittaker, Fortune, 19 Feb. 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