nonspecific

adjective

non·​spe·​cif·​ic ˌnän-spi-ˈsi-fik How to pronounce nonspecific (audio)
: not specific: such as
a
: lacking in detail or particulars
nonspecific answers
a nonspecific description
b
: not caused by a specific or identified agent
nonspecific enteritis
c
: not restricted to a particular category, situation, or group
nonspecific flu-like symptoms
d
: not affecting a particular region or part
nonspecific pain
e
: having a general purpose, effect, or action : lacking in specificity
nonspecific antiviral agents
nonspecific irritants
nonspecifically adverb
After a toxic protein is released into the bloodstream, it is taken up by macrophages, cells that nonspecifically scavenge and ingest various substances. Harald von Boehmer and Pawel Kisielow

Examples of nonspecific in a Sentence

his criticism of the picture is fairly nonspecific, but he clearly doesn't like it
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.
The laboratory tests should include the standard blood panels and prostate specific antigen, which is a sensitive, albeit nonspecific, test of prostate pathology. Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025 Perhaps women might just have a greater tendency to name-drop some of the above nonspecific symptoms while describing their situation—which could discourage doctors from fairly considering a ministroke diagnosis. Erica Sloan, SELF, 18 June 2025 Her dissatisfaction, however legitimate and probably common, is diffuse and nonspecific. Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Digestive symptoms are often nonspecific and can be caused by various conditions. Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for nonspecific

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonspecific was in 1860

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonspecific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonspecific. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

nonspecific

adjective
non·​spe·​cif·​ic -spi-ˈsif-ik How to pronounce nonspecific (audio)
: not specific: as
a
: not caused by a specific or identified agent
nonspecific enteritis
b
: not restricted to a particular category, situation, or group
nonspecific flu-like symptoms
c
: not affecting a particular region or part
nonspecific pain
d
: having a general purpose, effect, or action
nonspecific antiviral agents
nonspecific irritants
nonspecifically adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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