inclusive

American  

[in-kloo-siv] / ɪnˈklu sɪv /

adjective

1. including or encompassing the stated limit or extremes in consideration or account (usually used after the noun).

   from May to August inclusive.

2. including a great deal, or encompassing everything concerned; comprehensive.

   an inclusive art form;

   an inclusive fee.

   Synonyms:

   all-embracing, general, overall

3. enclosing; embracing.

   an inclusive fence.

4. aiming to include and integrate all people and groups in activities, organizations, political processes, etc., especially those who are disadvantaged, have suffered discrimination, or are living with disabilities.

   inclusive hiring practices;

   inclusive playgrounds.

5. relating to or being language or terminology that does not exclude a particular group of people and that avoids bias, stereotypes, etc..

   the use of singular “they” as an inclusive, gender-neutral pronoun.

6. relating to or being educational practices in which students with physical or mental disabilities are taught in regular classrooms and provided with certain accommodations.

7. Grammar. (of the first person plural) including the person or persons spoken to, as we in Shall we dance?

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idioms

1. inclusive of, including; also taking into account.

   Europe, inclusive of the British Isles, is negotiating new trade agreements.

inclusive British  

/ ɪnˈkluːsɪv /

adjective

1. considered together (with)

   capital inclusive of profit

2. (postpositive) including the limits specified

   Monday to Friday inclusive is five days

3. comprehensive

4. not excluding any particular groups of people

   an inclusive society

5. logic (of a disjunction) true if at least one of its component propositions is true Compare exclusive

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Other Word Forms

• inclusiveness
  noun
• inclusivity
  noun
• noninclusive
  adjective
• quasi-inclusive
  adjective
• superinclusive
  adjective
• uninclusive
  adjective
• inclusively
  adverb
• noninclusively
  adverb
• quasi-inclusively
  adverb
• superinclusively
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of inclusive

First recorded in 1400–50; from late Middle English, from Medieval Latin inclūsīvus, equivalent to Latin inclūs(us) + -īvus -ive ( def. ) ; see origin at incluse

Explanation

Call something inclusive when it's designed or inclined to include. An exclusive club might let you in, but an inclusive one will ask you to join, no strings attached. Inclusive is an adjective with several meanings: It can be used to describe something that's broad or extensive, such as thorough, inclusive research project. Or it describes a group that's particularly welcoming to all kinds of people. And an inclusive range is one where the limits are included along with what lies in between: a survey of “20-40 year-olds, inclusive” tells us 20 and 40 year-olds were counted, too.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

inclusive

You can have an ad that is very inclusive in its casting.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026

Good Good Golf also apologized for the ad, saying the spot was “not aligned with our values as a brand” and adding that it wants to make golf “more inclusive to all.”

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 25, 2026

The sport has also taken an increasingly strong stance on homophobia, developing an action plan in a bid to ensure the sport is "safe and inclusive for everyone".

From Barron's ● Aug. 20, 2026

A council spokesperson said new equipment suitable for ages 0-14 had been installed in recent weeks including new swings, slides, climbing frames, accessible and inclusive equipment and sensory panels.

From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026

Then she smiled—a warm, inclusive smile that made her whole face shine.

From "The Landry News" by Andrew Clements

Related Words

• broad
• comprehensive