overspecialize

verb

over·spe·cial·ize ˌō-vər-ˈspe-shə-ˌlīz

overspecialized; overspecializing

: to specialize to an excessive degree: such as

intransitive : to restrict oneself to an extremely narrow field or occupation

scientists who overspecialize

Don't overspecialize. Take advantage of every opportunity to add to your repertoire of skills and store of knowledge.—

Andrew Benett

transitive : to restrict (something) to an excessively narrow focus or scope

overspecialized their students' education

… is considering adding a la carte services … such as firewalls and gaming services, but doesn't plan to overspecialize its offerings too soon.—

Ed Gubbins

Unfortunately, the mobility and sophistication of modern criminals seems to be growing at an alarming rate. In response, some police agencies tend to overspecialize their criminal investigative units.—

Daniel S. McDevitt

overspecialization

ˌō-vər-ˌspe-sh(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən

noun

All cities tend to have their runs of bad economic times for many reasons, ranging from unavoidable hard luck to outright shortsightedness, folly and overspecialization. —

Jane Jacobs

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of overspecialize was in 1872

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Overspecialize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overspecialize. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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