generalized

adjective

gen·​er·​al·​ized ˈje-nə-rə-ˌlīzd 

ˈjen-rə-

: made general

especially : not highly differentiated biologically nor strictly adapted to a particular environment

Examples of generalized in a Sentence

The patient has been experiencing generalized pain.

Recent Examples on the Web

And a generalized grievance does not provide standing in federal court. —Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025

The Power of Purpose in Early Development Purpose, as defined in psychological research, is a stable and generalized intention to accomplish something meaningful to the self and of consequence to the world beyond the self. —Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

These are more targeted and surely more effective expenditures than generalized tax rebate checks. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2025

Those with a traumatic past could feel a generalized type of anxiety or stress. —Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1768, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing generalized

• generalized anxiety disorder

Rhymes for generalized

• americanized
• anathematized
• collateralized
• contextualized
• conventionalized
• demilitarized
• demineralized
• departmentalized
• industrialised
• industrialized
• materialised
• materialized

Medical Definition

generalized

adjective

gen·​er·​al·​ized

variants or British generalised

1

a

: spread or extended throughout the body : affecting many parts of the body

generalized paralysis

generalized aches and pains

b

: affecting or involving all of a single part or region of the body

generalized back pain

generalized mouth soreness

2

: not highly differentiated biologically nor strictly adapted to a particular environment

a primitive generalized mammal