specificity
noun
spec·i·fic·i·ty
ˌspe-sə-ˈfi-sə-tē 
: the quality or condition of being specific: such as
a
: the condition of being peculiar to a particular individual or group of organisms
host specificity of a parasite
b
: the condition of participating in or catalyzing only one or a few chemical reactions
the specificity of an enzyme
Examples of specificity in a Sentence
I was impressed by the specificity of her instructions.
the specificity of your description of your medical condition was a bit more than I needed
Recent Examples on the Web
These self-aware comedies, each following women trying to leave their mark in Hollywood before their cachet expires, have satirized the business with cutting specificity.
—
Caroline Framke, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
Slowly, the founder who once spoke with specificity and edge starts publishing content that could have come from anyone.
—Victoria Chynoweth, Rolling Stone, 12 May 2026
Voters question his political experience relative to other gubernatorial candidates, noting that his policy explanations lack sufficient detail and specificity despite his significant campaign spending.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Consistency matters more than specificity of strength programs.
—Laura Baehr, The Conversation, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for specificity
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Caroline Framke, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
Slowly, the founder who once spoke with specificity and edge starts publishing content that could have come from anyone.
—Victoria Chynoweth, Rolling Stone, 12 May 2026
Voters question his political experience relative to other gubernatorial candidates, noting that his policy explanations lack sufficient detail and specificity despite his significant campaign spending.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Consistency matters more than specificity of strength programs.
—Laura Baehr, The Conversation, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for specificity
Cite this Entry
“Specificity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specificity. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
specificity
noun
spec·i·fic·i·ty
ˌspes-ə-ˈfis-ət-ē
: the quality or condition of being specific
especially
: the condition of taking part in or of acting as a catalyst in only one or a few chemical reactions
the specificity of an enzyme
Medical Definition
specificity
noun
spec·i·fic·i·ty
ˌspes-ə-ˈfis-ət-ē
plural specificities
: the quality or condition of being specific: as
a
: the condition of being peculiar to a particular individual or group of organisms
host specificity of a parasite
b
: the condition of participating in or catalyzing only one or a few chemical reactions
the specificity of an enzyme
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