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

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

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. ) ; incluse

Example Sentences

“He really wants to involve people to the level that they want to be involved,” says Mazzei, co-writer and executive producer on “Faces,” of Goldhaber’s ability to be inclusive.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

For those who are allergic or may be fearful, Huw said the brand has always been as inclusive as possible.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Excluding contributions from ironSource and Supersonic, revenue within Unity’s Grow unit rose 48% last quarter, “double the growth rate of the comparable metric inclusive of the two units.”

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

"We're harnessing the expertise of the specialist staff and using it to develop wider inclusive practice across the school."

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

While he undoubtedly thought this description cast a wide and inclusive net that pulled in residents from all the regions or sections of the United States, it did not include all inhabitants.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Related Words

• broad
• comprehensive