generalist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “generalist” mean?
A person competent in many different fields or activities, as opposed to a specialist.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person competent in many different fields or activities, as opposed to a specialist.
A person, animal, or organism with broad, versatile knowledge or skills; in ecology, a species able to thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly positive or neutral, implying adaptability and broad perspective.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both professional and academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “generalist” in a Sentence
generalist in [field]generalist with [experience]generalist at [organisation]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “generalist” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She has a generalist background in the humanities.
- We need a more generalist approach to the problem.
American English
- He took a generalist track in his studies.
- The role requires generalist skills.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe employees or managers with broad skills across departments (e.g., marketing, finance).
Academic
Used in discussions of educational philosophy, career paths, and ecological biology.
Everyday
Rare; more likely in discussions about careers or skills.
Technical
In ecology: an organism that can use a variety of resources.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “generalist”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “generalist”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “generalist”
- Confusing spelling: 'generelist', 'generalyst'. Using it as an adjective without '-ic' (e.g., 'a generalist view' is okay, but 'his skills are generalist' is less common; prefer 'general').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually neutral or positive, suggesting breadth and adaptability. However, in contexts demanding deep expertise, it might be seen as lacking specialisation.
A specialist. The pair 'generalist vs. specialist' is common in career and educational discussions.
Yes, though less common than the noun form. The adjective 'general' is often used instead (e.g., 'general knowledge'). 'Generalist' as an adjective typically modifies nouns like 'approach', 'skills', or 'background'.
It is a strong, more specific synonym. A polymath is a person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning, often with significant accomplishment in multiple fields, whereas a generalist may simply have broad, practical skills.
A person competent in many different fields or activities, as opposed to a specialist.
Generalist is usually formal/neutral in register.
Generalist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdʒen(ə)rəlɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdʒen(ə)rəlɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think GENERAL knowledge and intereSTS = GENERALIST. The 'list' in generalist can remind you of a 'list' of many skills.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/EXPERTISE IS BREADTH (wide vs. deep).
Practice
Quiz
In an ecological context, a 'generalist' species is one that: