inclusive

adjective

in·​clu·​sive in-ˈklü-siv 

-ziv

1

a

: broad in orientation or scope

The traditional system groups organisms … and places them in a hierarchy of ever more inclusive categories …

—Elizabeth Pennisi

He wanted more inclusive histories that told the lives of all humankind, not just an elite few.

—Brook Thomas

b

: covering or intended to cover all items, costs, or services

Le Sport features inclusive packages with a single rate covering spa treatments, accommodations, all meals, drinks, water sports, and tennis.

—Ian Keown

see also all-inclusive

2

: including everyone

especially : allowing and accommodating people who have historically been excluded (as because of their race, gender, sexuality, or ability)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new push for accessibility has galvanized a disability rights movement in a country with a notably poor record on inclusive infrastructure.

—Rama Lakshmi

Research from the Center for Talent Innovation shows that allies—people who support LGBT colleagues or work as advocates—play a decisive role in creating an inclusive community where individuals are comfortable being themselves.

—Sylvia Ann Hewlett

3

: of or relating to education in which students with disabilities are included with the general student population

Supporters of so-called "inclusive education" say that letting students with and without severe disabilities learn side-by-side helps to undo the stigma associated with special education.

—Associated Press

There are three inclusive classrooms, where kids who do not need special education services learn alongside students with autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, learning delays or other disabilities. The students are taught the same curriculum, and the special education students generally receive services, such as occupational therapy, inside the classroom instead of being pulled out.

—Erin Duffy

4

: including the stated limits or extremes

—used postpositively

from Monday to Friday inclusive

I expect to be at the island and visitable there … on the following dates: May 28-31 inclusive …

—Alexander Woollcott

inclusively adverb

She waved her hand inclusively toward the various rooms.

—Theodore Dreiser

… as part of our new digital experience, we're launching an online community built expressly and inclusively for all members.

—Joseph J. Fifer

inclusiveness noun

… in the effort to achieve more fairness and inclusiveness in selecting the nominee, the reforms jettisoned many of the old underpinnings of the party.

—John C. Culver

Synonyms

• all-embracing
• all-in [chiefly British]
• all-inclusive
• broad-gauge
• broad-gauged
• compendious
• complete
• comprehensive
• cover-all
• cyclopedic
• embracive
• encyclopedic
• exhaustive
• full
• global
• in-depth
• omnibus
• panoramic
• thorough
• universal

Examples of inclusive in a Sentence

a butterfly expert with an inclusive knowledge of his subject

Recent Examples on the Web

While the show is far from free of legitimate criticism, many of the complaints seem unfairly — though perhaps tellingly — placed on the show’s focus on a Black woman commander, its LGBTQ+ stars and allies and its inclusive storylines. —USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024

Inseam: 32 inches | Washes: 5 Good American Skinny Jeans $119 $129 View On Bloomingdales $129 Good American is another one of our favorite brands for more inclusive sizing, including tall fits. —Olivia Muenter, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024

And certainly ethnically and racially it’s become much more inclusive. —Benjamin P. Russell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2024

Later, his success allowed Nashville to congratulate itself for being inclusive without being progressive. —Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 1 Apr. 2024

In a rare moment of progressive irony, the most inclusive ED in history wants to usher Inclusive Access off the stage. —Ryan Craig, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

This open and inclusive platform not only elevates diverse voices but also equips creators with the tools and opportunities to achieve recognition and financial sustainability on their own terms. —Kyle Russell, Journal Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2024

What to Consider Sizes aren’t particularly inclusive, running to an XL only. —Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024

Across Shawnee Mission, school leaders and community members point to steady improvements, including the hiring of Shawnee Mission’s first-ever diversity coordinator in 2019, following a movement by parents pushing for more inclusive practices. —Sarah Ritter, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing inclusive

• all-inclusive
• inclusive disjunction
• inclusive of
• self-inclusive

Kids Definition

inclusive

adjective

in·​clu·​sive in-ˈklü-siv 

-ziv

1

: including the stated limits and everything in between

pages 10 to 20 inclusive

2

: covering everything or all important points

an inclusive tour

an inclusive insurance policy

inclusively adverb

inclusiveness noun