nonspecific
adjective
non·spe·cif·ic
ˌnän-spi-ˈsi-fik 
: 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
nonspecifically
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
Harald von Boehmer and Pawel Kisielow
Synonyms
Examples of nonspecific in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Experts have been forced to read between the lines of nonspecific military briefings, satellite imagery and shaky footage from the battlefield.
—Alexander Smith, NBC News, 3 Nov. 2023
On the other hand, for depression and other psychiatric disorders, clinicians rely on subjective and nonspecific surveys that ask patients about their symptoms.
—Christopher Rozell, Discover Magazine, 2 Oct. 2023
The Chinese government rarely publicizes foreign policy documents, and speeches by government officials tend to be deliberately ambiguous and nonspecific.
—Krista Wiegand, The Conversation, 21 June 2023
Other species would not be prevented as effectively from growing in the area, though they would still be limited by nonspecific problems like a lack of sunlight under an adult tree’s canopy.
—Quanta Magazine, 14 Sep. 2023
The rash is nonspecific, pink, and prominent on the torso.
—Parents Editors, Parents, 3 Sep. 2023
The message, albeit nonspecific, resonated with some of the undecided Republican voters in the audience.
—Emma Platoff, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Sep. 2023
Nike nonspecific about plans to open a new store in North or Northeast Portland.
—oregonlive, 8 Sep. 2023
Other nonspecific relaxation techniques, like listening to relaxing music, appear to also be beneficial for falling asleep.
—Steven Bender, Discover Magazine, 1 Sep. 2023
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Alexander Smith, NBC News, 3 Nov. 2023
On the other hand, for depression and other psychiatric disorders, clinicians rely on subjective and nonspecific surveys that ask patients about their symptoms.
—Christopher Rozell, Discover Magazine, 2 Oct. 2023
The Chinese government rarely publicizes foreign policy documents, and speeches by government officials tend to be deliberately ambiguous and nonspecific.
—Krista Wiegand, The Conversation, 21 June 2023
Other species would not be prevented as effectively from growing in the area, though they would still be limited by nonspecific problems like a lack of sunlight under an adult tree’s canopy.
—Quanta Magazine, 14 Sep. 2023
The rash is nonspecific, pink, and prominent on the torso.
—Parents Editors, Parents, 3 Sep. 2023
The message, albeit nonspecific, resonated with some of the undecided Republican voters in the audience.
—Emma Platoff, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Sep. 2023
Nike nonspecific about plans to open a new store in North or Northeast Portland.
—oregonlive, 8 Sep. 2023
Other nonspecific relaxation techniques, like listening to relaxing music, appear to also be beneficial for falling asleep.
—Steven Bender, Discover Magazine, 1 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nonspecific.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1860, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near nonspecific
Cite this Entry
“Nonspecific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonspecific. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.
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Medical Definition
nonspecific
adjective
non·spe·cif·ic
-spi-ˈsif-ik
: not specific: as
a
: not caused by a specific or identified agent
nonspecific enteritis
b
: not restricted to a particular category, situation, or group
nonspecific flu-like symptoms
c
: not affecting a particular region or part
nonspecific pain
d
: having a general purpose, effect, or action
nonspecific antiviral agents
nonspecific irritants
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