Selectivity: meaning, definitions and examples

Selectivity is often used in formal or neutral contexts to describe the process of carefully choosing something based on specific criteria.

• The university is known for its high selectivity in admissions.
• The job requires a high level of selectivity in selecting suitable candidates.

Discrimination has a broad range of meanings but in the context of making choices, it refers to the ability to distinguish and choose with insight. Note that it can also have a strongly negative connotation when referring to unfair treatment based on biased criteria.

• Good discrimination is essential for a wine expert.
• The policy needs to ensure that there is no racial discrimination in hiring.

Choosiness is more informal and can sometimes carry an implied sense of being overly particular or difficult to please.

• Her choosiness makes it hard to find a restaurant that she'll enjoy.
• His choosiness in selecting a movie to watch often delays our plans.

Picky is informal and generally used in a negative sense to describe someone who is excessively selective or hard to satisfy.

• He's so picky about food that it's hard to cook for him.
• Children are often picky eaters, refusing to eat anything green.

When emphasizing the careful and intentional choice among a range of options.

• The university's selectivity ensures only the best students are admitted.
• Her selectivity in choosing ingredients results in high-quality dishes.

When specifying the exact and detailed nature or scope of something.

• The specificity of the instructions helped us complete the task efficiently.
• The medicine's efficacy lies in its specificity to target the virus.

When highlighting the distinctions or unique characteristics of something compared to others.

• Product differentiation is crucial in a competitive market.
• The differentiation between the two species is based on their physical traits.

When referring to the restriction of access to a limited group, often implying a sense of luxury or privilege. This word can sometimes carry a negative connotation of elitism.

• The club's exclusiveness makes it appealing to the wealthy.
• The exclusiveness of the event meant only a few selected individuals could attend.