selectiveness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "selectiveness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the quality of being selective or the act of choosing carefully. Example: "Her selectiveness in choosing friends has led her to form deep and meaningful relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Let there be no doubt that concepts such as "secularism" or "freedom of speech" are rarely detached from the culture and values of the time, and they need to be constantly interrogated, challenged and investigated for selectiveness or partiality.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you couple the selectiveness and stridency of Santorum's lament about college with his and his wife's decision to home-school all seven of their children, you have to wonder if his real beef with higher education is that it threatens the indoctrination that has sometimes occurred already around the kitchen table.

The New York Times

Today's premium for college degrees is caused partly by increasing selectiveness among employers about whom they hire and screening based on education even for positions that do not require higher skills.

The New York Times

But food-truck operators pointed to a host of supermarket, restaurant and other trucks not receiving the same scrutiny - including the support vehicles that tow street carts - in criticizing the bill's selectiveness.

The New York Times

But things get complicated when you consider the selectiveness of the church's outrage, the capriciousness of its mercy.

The New York Times

I was the Guardian's design correspondent in the mid-1960s so I had a ringside seat as the primness of Design Centre selectiveness gave way to eclecticism, jollity, pastiche.

The Guardian - Arts

The more one looks into the distorting mirrors in which Isherwood dramatised his own life, the more respect one feels for Parker's sceptical selectiveness.

The Guardian - Books

Amnesty International has raised concerns about possible "political selectiveness" in the court's mandate, which appears to be geared to implicate Syria in liquidating its foes inside Lebanon.

The Guardian - Opinion

On mobile, I feel interface quality and selectiveness of functionalities are even less forgiving than on the web: you can't allow useless stuff on a smartphone screen, there is simply no tolerance for it.

The Guardian - Tech

This selectiveness limits the field of prospective signings but it helps ensure a smoother transition for the players who arrive at the club as they fit the system more naturally, having already satisfied the strict criteria set by the club.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Solondz's sympathies are distributed with a predictable selectiveness it's those who depart from, and lay no claim to, being "normal" (a word that crops up in the film solely to represent a villainous narrow-mindedness) who get a cinematic embrace.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "selectiveness" when you want to emphasize the quality of careful choice or discrimination, particularly in contexts where discernment is valued. For example, in hiring processes or curating content.

Common error

Be mindful of the potential for "selectiveness" to imply exclusion or unfairness. In contexts where inclusivity is important, consider using alternative terms like "curation" or "prioritization" to avoid negative perceptions.

Linguistic Context

The word "selectiveness" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the quality or state of being selective. It's often used to describe the act of carefully choosing or discriminating between options, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples of "political selectiveness" and "America's sublime selectiveness of memory".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "selectiveness" is a noun that refers to the quality of being selective, often implying careful and discerning choices. As Ludwig highlights, it appears frequently in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. It's crucial to be aware of its potential connotations, as it can imply exclusion or bias. Therefore, when using "selectiveness", ensure the context aligns with your intended message and consider synonyms like "discernment" or "fastidiousness" for nuanced meanings. Ultimately, according to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting diverse contexts while demanding thoughtful application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discerning nature

Focuses on the quality of having good judgment and taste.

discriminating taste

Emphasizes the ability to distinguish between fine qualities.

careful selection

Highlights the meticulousness in choosing.

discriminatory practice

Indicates a bias in the selection process.

fastidiousness

Refers to being very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.

meticulousness

Highlights extreme care and precision.

stringency

Emphasizes strictness or severity in selection.

critical evaluation

Focuses on the process of carefully assessing something.

refined judgment

Highlights the quality of having sophisticated and subtle understanding.

selective approach

Describes a method that involves carefully choosing what to include or focus on.

FAQs

How can I use "selectiveness" in a sentence?

You can use "selectiveness" to describe a characteristic or action involving careful selection, such as, "The company's "selectiveness" in hiring ensures only the most qualified candidates are chosen".

What are some synonyms for "selectiveness"?

Alternatives to "selectiveness" include "discrimination", "discernment", or "fastidiousness", depending on the context.

Is "selectiveness" always a positive trait?

Not necessarily. While "selectiveness" can indicate careful judgment, it may also suggest exclusion or bias. The connotation depends heavily on the context in which it is used.

What's the difference between "selectiveness" and "selection"?

"Selectiveness" refers to the quality or characteristic of being selective, while "selection" is the act of choosing. For example, "Her "selectiveness" in choosing projects led to excellent selections".