special-interest group

American  

[spesh-uhl in-ter-ist, in-trist] / ˈspɛʃ əl ˈɪn tər ɪst, ˈɪn trɪst /

noun

1. Also called special interest.  a body of persons, corporation, or industry that seeks or receives benefits or privileged treatment, especially through legislation.

2. Digital Technology. a subgroup within a user group where members share information or research in specialized fields. SIG

---

Etymology

Origin of special-interest group

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

You know we are not a special interest group, right?

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2021

Hysteria from a special interest group seeking leverage to gain membership dues does not aid in that task.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 16, 2021

But the gambling industry isn't the only special interest group competing with the leagues.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2018

Marchetti echoed those thoughts, saying that it’s generally not in the best interest of a think tank or special interest group to lie or provide incorrect information.

From Washington Times • Jan. 20, 2018

"We need literacy for democracy to survive," says the literacy special interest group.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai