Word
specialization
Phoneticsspe·cial·iza·tion
/ˌspɛʃəɫəˈzeɪʃən/
UK spelling · specialisation
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the act of focusing on one specific subject, skill, or area of study. You use this when someone becomes an expert in a narrow field rather than knowing a little about everything.
n. the process of concentrating on and becoming an expert in a particular subject or skill. In biological contexts, refers to the evolutionary adaptation of an organism to a specific function or environment.
Examples
“Her specialization is international law.”
“After finishing general medical school, she chose pediatrics as her area of specialization.”
“The increasing specialization of the workforce means that while individuals possess deep expertise in niche areas, they often require complex management systems to coordinate their efforts effectively.”
Examples
simple
“Her specialization is international law.”
contextual
“After finishing general medical school, she chose pediatrics as her area of specialization.”
complex
“The increasing specialization of the workforce means that while individuals possess deep expertise in niche areas, they often require complex management systems to coordinate their efforts effectively.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'in' when referring to a field of study or work.
Real-World Examples
“Most work in society involves specialization and concentration.” “At one point, I had a small army of tailors, each with a different specialisation, whom I’d go to for different needs.” Etymology
From specialize + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/specialization