selectivity

American  

[si-lek-tiv-i-tee, see-lek-] / sɪ lɛkˈtɪv ɪ ti, ˌsi lɛk- /

noun

1. the state or quality of being selective.

2. Electricity. the property of a circuit, instrument, or the like, by virtue of which it can distinguish oscillations of a particular frequency.

3. Radio. the ability of a receiving set to receive any one of a band of frequencies or waves to the exclusion of others.

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selectivity British  

/ sɪˌlɛkˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being selective

2. the degree to which a radio receiver or other circuit can respond to and separate the frequency of a desired signal from other frequencies by tuning

3. the principle that welfare services should go only to those whose need is greatest, as revealed by needs tests, means tests, etc

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Etymology

Origin of selectivity

First recorded in 1900–05; selective + -ity

Example Sentences

According to the research team, S3E demonstrated impressive selectivity during testing.

From Science Daily • May 23, 2026

“There is going to be a lot of activity but selectivity will be key.”

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Maintaining UK academic standards while operating at Indian price points will require "cost discipline and programme selectivity", says Ghosal.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

The company’s ability to generate such meaningful cost savings precisely relates to its selectivity, according to Luria, since the impact would be less pronounced if all of a customer’s rivals were using the same tactics.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

If this sort of selectivity had been possible for Billy, he might have chosen as his happiest moment his sundrenched snooze in the back of the wagon.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut