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

This attachment to nurturing a film culture and not buying into more generalized programming practices sees the festival eye not only glitzy Cannes entries fresh out from the Croisette, but also films that have played for almost a year within the circuit. —Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 13 June 2025

This model works well in the context of small businesses that rely on off-the-shelf solutions and more generalized functionality. —Darko Pavic, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

What sets periorbital cellulitis and styes apart is that periorbital cellulitis causes generalized swelling of both the upper and lower eyelids. —Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025

This eating plan doesn’t have one strict formula but is based on the generalized eating habits of people living in the countries along the Mediterranean Sea. —Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 9 June 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