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

These efforts, built on the understanding of generalized patterns in populations, have saved countless lives. —Bernadette Boden Albala, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

To safeguard himself and his team, Fernández worked with a lawyer who oriented him on how to broach the subject onscreen, as well as choosing to focus on the victims’ story instead of working on a more generalized approach against the church itself. —Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 June 2025

Instead, it was given a more generalized warning that American bases in the region could be attacked, the official said. —Chelsea Chan, NBC news, 24 June 2025

This method was criticized for being too generalized, especially when differentiating between tornadoes with similar intensity but different damage types. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 11 May 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