nonspecific

adjective

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non·spe·cif·ic | \ ˌnän-spi-ˈsi-fik

Definition of nonspecific

: not specific: such as

a : lacking in detail or particulars nonspecific answers a nonspecific description

b : not caused by a specific or identified agent nonspecific enteritis

c : not restricted to a particular category, situation, or group nonspecific flu-like symptoms

d : not affecting a particular region or part nonspecific pain

e : having a general purpose, effect, or action : lacking in specificity nonspecific antiviral agents nonspecific irritants

Other Words from nonspecific Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About nonspecific

Other Words from nonspecific

nonspecifically \ ˌnän-spi-ˈsi-fi-k(ə-)lē

\ adverb

After a toxic protein is released into the bloodstream, it is taken up by macrophages, cells that nonspecifically scavenge and ingest various substances. — Harald von Boehmer and Pawel Kisielow

Examples of nonspecific in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Initial symptoms of hepatitis are nonspecific, meaning that a lot of people get these symptoms due to other causes. — Katia Hetter, CNN, 9 May 2022 But in many seniors, long COVID is difficult to recognize due to nonspecific symptoms, leading to struggles getting adequate follow-up attention. — Judith Graham, USA TODAY, 18 May 2022 Though DeSantis' aides and supporters insist the language of the bill is nonspecific to LGBTQ people, advocates have spoken out against the law, citing the history of how it was first drafted. — Maria Pasquini, PEOPLE.com, 4 Apr. 2022 Like other complications, the earliest symptoms of sepsis can be nonspecific, such as confusion, fever, and shortness of breath. — Ann Macdonald, STAT, 15 Mar. 2022 While feeling depressed and unable to get out of bed, Kat swiftly enters a dreamlike sequence where a group of social media influencers repeat nonspecific sentiments about confidence and self-love. — Leah Campano, Seventeen, 3 Feb. 2022 While remaining nonspecific about the incentives, Husted described the project a good return on Ohio’s investment that will create an entire industry sector of semiconductor manufacturing and related suppliers around the state. — Andrew J. Tobias, cleveland, 21 Jan. 2022 Because nonspecific symptoms can be common at first, cardiac angiosarcoma is often spread to other places in the body by the time it is discovered. — Korin Miller, Health.com, 29 Nov. 2021 Thursday's show, the Bottega Salon O3 show, is the brand's third dual-gender, season-nonspecific show, with the first in London and second in Berlin, The New York Times reports. — Miriam Marini, Detroit Free Press, 25 Oct. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nonspecific.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.