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
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
For instance, while many people in both Mexico and Chile speak Spanish, the specificities of the dialogue in both places differs.
—
Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 6 Oct. 2025
The branding and level of Springfield specificity is fantastic.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Oct. 2025
The event also highlights the specificity of Chanel, which started acquiring some of its specialized suppliers in 1985 in order to safeguard their know-how — often when their owners retire.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
Despite the political specificity of the family history unearthed here, the script presumes a level of profundity that’s just not there in the movie’s ponderous silences and woozy montages.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specificity
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Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 6 Oct. 2025
The branding and level of Springfield specificity is fantastic.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Oct. 2025
The event also highlights the specificity of Chanel, which started acquiring some of its specialized suppliers in 1985 in order to safeguard their know-how — often when their owners retire.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
Despite the political specificity of the family history unearthed here, the script presumes a level of profundity that’s just not there in the movie’s ponderous silences and woozy montages.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specificity
Cite this Entry
“Specificity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specificity. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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