B2nounUK spelling: generalisationacademic
US/ˌdʒen.ər.əl.əˈzeɪ.ʃən/
UK/ˌdʒen.ər.əl.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/
a broad statement that something is true in most cases, often based on too few facts
In context
Saying that all teenagers are lazy is an unfair generalization.
The sample is too small to support any generalization about the wider population.
Examiners penalize essays that rely on sweeping generalizations instead of specific examples.
Words that go with generalization
adjective + noun
- sweeping generalizationAvoid sweeping generalizations such as 'everyone uses social media'.
- broad generalizationIt is a broad generalization, but it holds for most cases.
- gross generalizationCalling all politicians corrupt is a gross generalization.
verb + noun
- make a generalizationIt is risky to make a generalization from one interview.
noun + preposition
- generalization aboutThe book is full of generalizations about national character.