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
But that specificity, that exertion of agency, comes largely in those films’ first two acts.
—
Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 22 Apr. 2025
In an entertainment landscape where global streaming platforms often chase universal appeal, Netflix finds worldwide success by doubling down on cultural specificity.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
Five ways to turn your quirks into cash Start a YouTube channel around your uniqueness
The content creation game rewards specificity.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
With its mix of Indigenous cultural specificity, a winning coming-of-age story, and a charming ensemble, North of North is delightfully bingeable.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for specificity
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Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 22 Apr. 2025
In an entertainment landscape where global streaming platforms often chase universal appeal, Netflix finds worldwide success by doubling down on cultural specificity.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
Five ways to turn your quirks into cash Start a YouTube channel around your uniqueness
The content creation game rewards specificity.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
With its mix of Indigenous cultural specificity, a winning coming-of-age story, and a charming ensemble, North of North is delightfully bingeable.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Apr. 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 9 May. 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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