exclusivity

Also ex·clu·sive·ness

[eks-kloo-siv-i-tee]

noun

1. the fact of shutting out some other thing; incompatibility.

   The apparent mutual exclusivity of their claims might seem to lead to inevitable conflict and deadlock.

2. the act or practice of shutting out all others from a relation, process, location, etc..

   The vows of marriage speak of exclusivity, permanence, and total self-giving.

   The program encourages mothers to maintain breastfeeding exclusivity—no formula or solid food—for the first six months of their infant’s life.

3. the tendency to resist including those who are different or do not meet a narrow set of criteria.

   The island’s population has maintained strong ties to cultural traditions—yet it is not a culture of exclusivity, but one that provides pathways for all to prosper.

4. the fact or quality of catering to, or being restricted to, affluent or upper-class people, often by virtue of comparatively high prices.

   It is one of the most fashionable vacation hotspots in the world, with a reputation for exclusivity, luxury, and breathtaking beauty.

5. a provision in a contract or piece of legislation that shuts out competition.

   Ending handset exclusivity will allow cell phone carriers to attract customers based on network quality and the services offered.

Other Word Forms

• semiexclusiveness noun
• semiexclusivity noun
• ultraexclusiveness noun
• ultraexclusivity noun
• unexclusiveness noun
• unexclusivity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exclusivity¹

First recorded in 1880–85; from French exclusivité, equivalent to exclusiv(e) ( def. ) + -ity ( def. )

Example Sentences

And we used to talk about the game with the reverence that exclusivity implies.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Peak turned down the offer, concerned about the fee it would have to pay if it broke its exclusivity clause with Shenghe.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

DMGT, which also owns national newspapers Metro and The i Paper, said it would enter a period of exclusivity to finalise the terms of the transaction, which the parties "expect to happen quickly".

Read more on Barron's

"You are running an auction where what you are selling is intellectual property exclusivity."

Read more on Barron's

Social media consultant and analyst Matt Navara told the BBC the price tag looked to be less about "function" but more about "form, branding and exclusivity".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• particularity