selectivity

American  

[si-lek-tiv-i-tee, see-lek-] / sɪ lɛkˈtɪv ɪ ti, ˌsi lɛk- /

noun

1. the state or quality of being selective.

2. Electricity. the property of a circuit, instrument, or the like, by virtue of which it can distinguish oscillations of a particular frequency.

3. Radio. the ability of a receiving set to receive any one of a band of frequencies or waves to the exclusion of others.

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selectivity British  

/ sɪˌlɛkˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being selective

2. the degree to which a radio receiver or other circuit can respond to and separate the frequency of a desired signal from other frequencies by tuning

3. the principle that welfare services should go only to those whose need is greatest, as revealed by needs tests, means tests, etc

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Etymology

Origin of selectivity

First recorded in 1900–05; selective + -ity

Example Sentences

Maintaining UK academic standards while operating at Indian price points will require "cost discipline and programme selectivity", says Ghosal.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

The company’s ability to generate such meaningful cost savings precisely relates to its selectivity, according to Luria, since the impact would be less pronounced if all of a customer’s rivals were using the same tactics.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

The composition of the Dow changes over time based on strategic decisions that involve some degree of timing and selectivity, such as the 2024 substitution of Nvidia for Intel, making long-term comparisons difficult.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

Yang's team tested more than 300 variations to fine-tune the compound's power, safety, and selectivity.

From Science Daily • Nov. 4, 2025

If this sort of selectivity had been possible for Billy, he might have chosen as his happiest moment his sundrenched snooze in the back of the wagon.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut