generalized

adjective

gen·​er·​al·​ized ˈje-nə-rə-ˌlīzd How to pronounce generalized (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In both health care and education, generalized approaches have left many individuals underserved. Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025 Some clients may have social anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder. Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 This approach is a game-changer for domain-specific tasks, bridging the gap between generalized AI capabilities and your unique needs. John Goodson, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 This shift is part of a long-term movement in Silicon Valley, where AI is evolving beyond generalized models to highly specialized, industry-specific applications. Arthur Mouratov, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for generalized

Word History

First Known Use

1768, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of generalized was in 1768

Cite this Entry

“Generalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generalized. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on generalized

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