selectivity

American  

[si-lek-tiv-i-tee, see-lek-] / sɪ lɛkˈtɪv ɪ ti, ˌsi lɛk- /

noun

1. the state or quality of being selective.

2. Electricity. the property of a circuit, instrument, or the like, by virtue of which it can distinguish oscillations of a particular frequency.

3. Radio. the ability of a receiving set to receive any one of a band of frequencies or waves to the exclusion of others.

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selectivity British  

/ sɪˌlɛkˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being selective

2. the degree to which a radio receiver or other circuit can respond to and separate the frequency of a desired signal from other frequencies by tuning

3. the principle that welfare services should go only to those whose need is greatest, as revealed by needs tests, means tests, etc

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Etymology

Origin of selectivity

First recorded in 1900–05; selective + -ity

Example Sentences

Private credit is not a systemic crisis — but it does warrant careful evaluation and selectivity.

From MarketWatch

Maintaining UK academic standards while operating at Indian price points will require "cost discipline and programme selectivity", says Ghosal.

From BBC

The company’s ability to generate such meaningful cost savings precisely relates to its selectivity, according to Luria, since the impact would be less pronounced if all of a customer’s rivals were using the same tactics.

From MarketWatch

Previous computer simulations had suggested that improving both ion flow and selectivity in nanofluidic channels could dramatically enhance osmotic energy generation.

From Science Daily

Stretched valuation, average balance sheet strength, and poor macro alignment argue for selectivity and a preference to buy on weakness rather than chase strength.

From Barron's