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. )

Example Sentences

Industry analysts have speculated that the exclusivity period is due to a change in the US chart rules, where songs streamed on YouTube will no longer count towards the Top 100.

From BBC

The Cambridge, Mass., biotechnology company said it expects revenue to continue to decline in 2026 as its multiple sclerosis treatment portfolio reaches the end of its period of exclusivity.

From The Wall Street Journal

Capri’s shares have lagged those of rivals such as Coach brand owner Tapestry as the companies compete to reach a broad market while retaining an aura of exclusivity.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We have spent millions of dollars to support the Washington Opera’s exclusivity and yet they were still millions of dollars in the hole — and getting worse,” Grenell wrote on social media.

From Los Angeles Times

Welsh rugby's governing body and Ospreys have released statements confirming Y11 will enter into an "exclusivity period" about taking over Cardiff.

From BBC

Related Words

• particularity