exclusivity

[ eks-kloo-siv-i-tee ]

noun

1. the fact of shutting out some other thing; incompatibility:

   The apparent mutual exclusivity of their claims might seem to lead to inevitable conflict and deadlock.

2. the act or practice of shutting out all others from a relation, process, location, etc.:

   The vows of marriage speak of exclusivity, permanence, and total self-giving.

   The program encourages mothers to maintain breastfeeding exclusivity—no formula or solid food—for the first six months of their infant’s life.

3. the tendency to resist including those who are different or do not meet a narrow set of criteria:

   The island’s population has maintained strong ties to cultural traditions—yet it is not a culture of exclusivity, but one that provides pathways for all to prosper.

4. the fact or quality of catering to, or being restricted to, affluent or upper-class people, often by virtue of comparatively high prices:

   It is one of the most fashionable vacation hotspots in the world, with a reputation for exclusivity, luxury, and breathtaking beauty.

5. a provision in a contract or piece of legislation that shuts out competition:

   Ending handset exclusivity will allow cell phone carriers to attract customers based on network quality and the services offered.

Other Words From

• sem·i·ex·clu·sive·ness noun
• sem·i·ex·clu·siv·i·ty noun
• ul·tra·ex·clu·sive·ness noun
• ul·tra·ex·clu·siv·i·ty noun
• un·ex·clu·sive·ness noun
• un·ex·clu·siv·i·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exclusivity¹

First recorded in 1880–85; from French exclusivité, equivalent to exclusiv(e) ( def ) + -ity ( def )

Example Sentences

In exchange for lavishing billions of dollars upon MLB teams over the last couple of decades, local television providers demanded exclusivity.

From Los Angeles Times

Because Hermès does not produce enough Birkin bags to cover demand, exclusivity remains high year after year, which protects value.

From Salon

In a complex saga surrounding the takeover, American businessman and Crystal Palace owner John Textor said he was then granted a "qualified period of exclusivity" in August.

From BBC

I have a qualified period of exclusivity, but exclusives don't matter if Farhad gets an offer tomorrow that is supremely better than mine.

From BBC

“They tap into the retail culture's appetite for exclusivity, offering limited-edition products that resonate with consumers.”

From Salon

Related Words

• particularity