exclusivity

American  

[eks-kloo-siv-i-tee] / ˌɛks kluˈsɪv ɪ ti /

Also exclusiveness

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.

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of exclusivity

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

Explanation

Exclusivity is a quality of being limited to only certain people or groups. Part of the appeal of an expensive private club is its exclusivity. Exclusivity, the state of being exclusive, or allowing limited access, has two uses. It can mean "only available to one group," like when a sports sponsor gets a deal with exclusivity, meaning only that brand will be worn by a team. It also means "only accessible if you're rich or cool enough." The exclusivity of private colleges has increased along with their tuition over years. In both cases, most people (or brands) are excluded.

Example Sentences

Under the plans, when the owner of the property decides to list it on the market, renters would be given a period of exclusivity to purchase it "at a fair market rate".

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

That agreement caps Live Nation’s service fees at 15% and requires them to avoid anticompetitive practices like certain exclusivity agreements with venues.

From Salon • Mar. 12, 2026

Another key claim in the lawsuit concerned Ticketmaster’s alleged exclusivity contracts, which required artists who booked Live Nation-owned venues to also use its ticketing services.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

The agreement would also restrict the exclusivity deals Live Nation typically strikes with venues to four years, and allow venues to divert some tickets to the company’s competitors, Politico said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 9, 2026

Lembede’s Africanism was not universally supported because his ideas were characterized by a racial exclusivity that disturbed some of the other Youth Leaguers.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• particularity