generalist

USAGE SUMMARY

'generalist' is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who has a broad range of knowledge and expertise in many different areas. For example, "The hiring manager was looking for a generalist to fill the position as they needed someone with experience in many different areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But my early years as a generalist had their own uncertainties.

The Guardian

In the absence of being able to accurately predict which skills will be in demand in the future workforce, surely it makes more sense to build broad generalist skills of numeracy and literacy in the early years, rather than concentrate on the narrower skill of coding.

The Guardian - Opinion

The current model of a GP being a generalist and gatekeeper is no longer sustainable.

The Guardian

She added that doctors need to learn to innovate in daily roles, and that the generalist doctor should be valued as well as specialists.

The Guardian

Indeed, we have a list of ways to help managers prepare for disruption: Be a curious generalist Throughout life, seek the new.

The Economist

A curator used to be a generalist who made decisions on everything from breeding to advertising.

The Economist

American data from the 1980s and 1990s, and more recent research in Germany, show a correlation between foreign direct investment, outsourcing and lower union-wage premiums.The shift from manufacturing to services is another blow: workers who have honed a specific welding technique have more bargaining power than generalist computer programmers or hotel cleaners.

The Economist

That is because the specialist will look less like the second model than the generalist.

The Economist

That would suggest that this industry, like many others, will evolve towards three large generalist players and several small niche firms, a phenomenon that Jagdish Sheth and Rajendra Sisodia, two academics, call "the rule of three" in a book of the same title.

The Economist

Its knowledge about the needs of its users sets it apart from the generalist search-engines, says Angela Hribar of GlobalSpec.

The Economist

The same sorts of ideas are also being applied in other vertical-search fields.At the same time, however, similar features and filters are appearing on generalist search-engines, enabling them to act more like vertical engines.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a job role, use "generalist" to emphasize the need for someone with a diverse skillset and the ability to handle various tasks.

Common error

Avoid using "generic" when you mean "generalist". "Generic" implies a lack of specificity or uniqueness, while "generalist" refers to someone with broad knowledge across different fields. Use the term that accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "generalist" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a person with a broad range of knowledge, skills, or abilities across multiple fields. As Ludwig AI states, it is a correct and usable term in English. It is frequently used to describe individuals in professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "generalist" is a well-established and frequently used noun that refers to individuals with broad knowledge and skills across various fields. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. Its prevalence in news media, science, and business contexts highlights its relevance across different domains. While alternatives like "jack of all trades" or "versatile individual" exist, "generalist" provides a concise and professional way to describe this valuable trait. Remember to use "generalist" to describe someone with a diverse skillset and the ability to handle various tasks and avoid confusion with "generic".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general practitioner

Specifically refers to a medical doctor who treats a wide range of illnesses and conditions.

well-rounded person

Emphasizes having a balanced set of skills, experiences, and knowledge.

versatile individual

Highlights the ability to adapt and function effectively in various situations and roles.

all-rounder

Focuses on having a good level of skill in many different areas or activities.

jack of all trades

Emphasizes competence in many areas, potentially lacking deep expertise in any single one.

multidisciplinary expert

Indicates expertise spanning several disciplines or fields of study.

broad-based specialist

Implies a specialist with a wider scope of understanding than typical.

renaissance person

Highlights a wide range of talents and knowledge, often artistic or intellectual.

polymath

Refers to someone with expertise in many different fields of study or activity.

flexible resource

Focuses on adaptability and the ability to be used in various capacities.

FAQs

How can I use "generalist" in a sentence?

You can use "generalist" to describe a person with broad knowledge in various fields, such as "The company needed a "well-rounded person" who could act as a generalist across multiple departments."

What's a good alternative to the word "generalist"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "jack of all trades", "versatile individual", or "all-rounder".

Is it better to be a "generalist" or a specialist?

It depends on the situation. A "generalist" has a broad range of skills, useful in dynamic environments, while a specialist possesses deep expertise in a narrow field, valuable for complex, technical roles.

What are the benefits of being a "generalist" in the workplace?

Generalists often excel at problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptation. They can connect ideas from different fields and contribute to a wide range of projects, making them valuable assets in many organizations.