exclusion

noun

ex·​clu·​sion ik-ˈsklü-zhən 

1

: the act or an instance of excluding

2

: the state of being excluded

exclusionary

ik-ˈsklü-zhə-ˌner-ē 

adjective

Examples of exclusion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An area can now also avoid the critical habitat label if its exclusion will not cause the extinction of a species. — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026

Vinatieri noted that his former New England head coach Bill Belichick — whose exclusion from this Hall of Fame class in his initial year of eligibility was the source of controversy — wasn’t in the audience. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Aug. 2026

On the other hand, those with stronger preferences for emotional intimacy with their friends reported having fewer friends willing to help them, more concern about exclusion and loneliness, and less satisfaction with their friends. — Diego Guevara Beltran, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026

Despite government investment in disability employment support, individual coaching cannot compensate for widespread discrimination and cultural exclusion. — Nancy Doyle, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin exclusion-, exclusio, from excludere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing exclusion

• exclusion principle
• Pauli exclusion principle
• self-exclusion
• to the exclusion of

Rhymes for exclusion

• allusion
• collusion
• conclusion
• confusion
• contusion
• delusion
• diffusion
• effusion
• extrusion
• illusion
• inclusion
• infusion

Medical Definition

exclusion

noun

ex·​clu·​sion iks-ˈklü-zhən 

: surgical separation of part of an organ from the rest without excision

exclude

iks-ˈklüd 

transitive verb

excluded; excluding

Legal Definition

exclusion

noun

ex·​clu·​sion ik-ˈsklü-zhən 

1

: the act of excluding or state of being excluded

specifically : refusal of entry into the U.S. by immigration officials

review of deportation and exclusion orders

compare deportation

2

: something that excludes or is excluded: as

a

: a part of an insurance contract that excludes specified risks from coverage compare condition, declaration

b

: an amount that is excluded from tax liability compare credit, deduction, exemption

exclusionary

-zhə-ˌner-ē 

adjective