generalist

[ jen-er-uh-list ]

noun

1. a person whose knowledge, aptitudes, and skills are applied to a field as a whole or to a variety of different fields ( specialist ).

generalist

/ ˈdʒɛnrə-; ˈdʒɛnərəlɪst /

noun

1. 1. a person who is knowledgeable in many fields of study
   2. ( as modifier )

      a generalist profession

2. ecology an organism able to utilize many food sources and therefore able to flourish in many habitats Compare specialist

Word History and Origins

Origin of generalist¹

First recorded in 1605–15; general + -ist

Example Sentences

Some have called her an environmental activist, but Winter says she sees herself more as an advocate, a generalist, a synthesist, or perhaps an “infrastructuralist” who deeply values natural infrastructure.

From Los Angeles Times

If a species is a generalist, able to adapt to its circumstances — think about the racoons or deer in your suburban neighborhood, or the capuchin in this study — it may need less help.

From Salon

“That makes it a multi-host pathogen. If it’s a generalist, it’s more dangerous,” says Drew Harvell, a marine ecologist at Cornell who was not involved in the research.

From Science Magazine

Most journalists are generalists; they don't know everything.

From Salon

But red foxes are generalists, quite capable of dispersing plant seeds themselves after chowing down on berries.

From Seattle Times