generalist

[jen-er-uh-list]

noun

1. a person whose knowledge, aptitudes, and skills are applied to a field as a whole or to a variety of different fields (specialist ).

generalist

/ ˈdʒɛnrə-, ˈdʒɛnərəlɪst /

noun

1. 1. a person who is knowledgeable in many fields of study

   2. ( as modifier )

      a generalist profession

2. ecology an organism able to utilize many food sources and therefore able to flourish in many habitats Compare specialist

Word History and Origins

Origin of generalist¹

First recorded in 1605–15; general + -ist

Example Sentences

Biotech’s wooden performance discourages generalist investors from joining industry specialists in supporting the sector, which might help startups’ raise capital as well as generate liquidity for venture backers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

We don’t know when the tide will turn, but when it does, it could draw more generalists into the sector.

Read more on Barron's

The AI company notified employees over email that it was planning to downsize its team of generalist AI tutors, according to messages viewed by the publication.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But I’ve also been mourning the loss of generalists, people who knew a little bit about everything, which is what “Jeopardy!” celebrates, but it’s not fashionable.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But barred owls are more aggressive and slightly larger, in addition to being more generalist when it comes to what they’ll eat and where they’ll live, allowing them to muscle out their fellow raptors.

Read more on Los Angeles Times