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Definition of overspecialization

overspecialization

/ˌoʊvərˌspɛʃələˈzeɪʃən/
(UK: overspecialisation)
o · ver · spe · cial · i · za · tion
Plural:overspecializations
•
Adjective:overspecialized
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overspecialization Lexical Profile

• noun

1

The practice or condition of concentrating too narrowly on a particular field of study, occupation, or skill, often at the expense of broader knowledge or adaptability.

Example

"The university introduced general education requirements to prevent the overspecialization of undergraduate students."

2

In evolutionary biology, the extreme adaptation of an organism or species to a very specific environment or diet, making it vulnerable to extinction if conditions change.

Example

"Evolutionary biologists often cite the giant panda's reliance on bamboo as a classic case of ecological overspecialization."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for overspecialization
Antonyms
View all antonyms for overspecialization

• Rhymes for overspecialization

• Nearby Words

overskirt
oversleep
oversoak
overspecialization
overspecialized
overspend
overspender

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Overspecialization. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/overspecialization
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