specificity

noun

spec·​i·​fic·​i·​ty ˌspe-sə-ˈfi-sə-tē 

: the quality or condition of being specific: such as

a

: the condition of being peculiar to a particular individual or group of organisms

host specificity of a parasite

b

: the condition of participating in or catalyzing only one or a few chemical reactions

the specificity of an enzyme

Synonyms of specificity

• accuracy
• precision
• attentiveness
• particularity
• explicitness
• preciseness
• carefulness

Examples of specificity in a Sentence

I was impressed by the specificity of her instructions.

the specificity of your description of your medical condition was a bit more than I needed

Recent Examples on the Web

Accuracy, specificity, and consistency are paramount, beginning with how each staffer writes their recipes, and in how senior editors edit them. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026

These conclusions tend to flatten the complexity and specificity of their narrative and make the essay blend into a sea of generic clichés. — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Chalk that up to its regional specificity, chaotic energy, and a cast of working-class characters more likely to get into a fight with someone named Crystal Meth than an office romance. — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

The story’s universality is born from its cultural specificity, as a mid-‘90s tale of a Bay Area outsider, who feels alien both in his social life as well as at home. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for specificity

• authenticity
• chromaticity
• concentricity
• domesticity
• eccentricity
• elasticity
• electricity
• iconicity
• metallicity
• multiplicity
• synchronicity
• analyticity

Kids Definition

specificity

noun

spec·​i·​fic·​i·​ty ˌspes-ə-ˈfis-ət-ē 

: the quality or condition of being specific

especially : the condition of taking part in or of acting as a catalyst in only one or a few chemical reactions

the specificity of an enzyme

Medical Definition

specificity

noun

spec·​i·​fic·​i·​ty ˌspes-ə-ˈfis-ət-ē 

plural specificities

: the quality or condition of being specific: as

a

: the condition of being peculiar to a particular individual or group of organisms

host specificity of a parasite

b

: the condition of participating in or catalyzing only one or a few chemical reactions

the specificity of an enzyme