Word
generalist
Phoneticsgen·er·al·ist, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdʒɛnɝəɫɪst/
UK/dʒˈɛnəɹəlˌɪst/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person who knows about many different subjects or can do many different jobs, instead of focusing on one special area.
n. a person with broad knowledge or skills across several fields, contrasted with a specialist focused on one area.
Examples
“Our team needs a generalist who can handle different tasks.”
“The clinic hired a generalist to treat common illnesses and refer complex cases to specialists.”
“While specialists drive deep innovation in narrow fields, generalists often connect ideas across disciplines to solve complex problems.”
Examples
simple
“Our team needs a generalist who can handle different tasks.”
contextual
“The clinic hired a generalist to treat common illnesses and refer complex cases to specialists.”
complex
“While specialists drive deep innovation in narrow fields, generalists often connect ideas across disciplines to solve complex problems.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “generalist” in context.
Verb
01. generalist adapts
“A good generalist adapts quickly when priorities or projects suddenly change.”
noun + verb
02. generalist excels
“A talented generalist excels at connecting ideas from different fields.”
noun + verb
03. generalist thrives
“A true generalist thrives in fast-changing environments with varied challenges.”
noun + verb
04. hire generalist
“Many startups prefer to hire a generalist who can perform multiple roles.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. creative generalist
“He is a creative generalist who combines art, technology and business in his work.”
adj + noun
06. experienced generalist
“The company hired an experienced generalist to oversee several different departments.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. breed of generalist
“She represents a rare breed of generalist comfortable in both science and arts.”
noun + prep + noun
08. generalist background
“Candidates with a generalist background often bring fresh perspectives to teams.”
noun + noun
09. generalist versus specialist
“The generalist versus specialist debate continues in medical education.”
noun + prep + noun
10. a generalist versus a specialist
“Patients must choose between seeing a generalist versus a specialist.”
11. a generalist with broad knowledge
“We need a generalist with broad knowledge of history, politics and economics.”
12. hire a versatile generalist
“Startups often hire a versatile generalist to cover several roles at once.”
Etymology
From general + -ist.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
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