exclusion

The word “exclusion” means the act of leaving someone or something out, or the state of being left out. In plain terms, the act of shutting something out, or a specific thing left out of coverage.

“Exclusion” is pronounced ihks-KLOO-zhuhn (/ɪksˈkluːʒən/ in IPA).

Here is “exclusion” used in a sentence: “Social exclusion can have serious effects on mental health.”

The opposite of “exclusion” — its antonyms — is inclusion.

“Exclusion” is a noun.

The word “exclusion” comes from Latin. From Latin exclusio, from excludere, "to shut out.".

“Exclusion” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Exclusion” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of leaving someone or something out, or the state of being left out.

Exclusion refers to the act of leaving someone or something out entirely, or something specifically not covered by a policy, while exception refers to a case that does not follow the general rule but may still be acknowledged within it. An exclusion in an insurance policy names something not covered at all, whereas an exception carves out a specific case within otherwise applicable coverage.

Exclusion simply describes the act of leaving someone out or a state of being left out, which can happen for neutral or deliberate reasons. Discrimination specifically implies unfair or prejudicial treatment based on characteristics like race, gender, or age, so discrimination is a narrower and more loaded term than exclusion.

In an insurance or legal context, an exclusion is something specifically stated as not covered by the policy or agreement, even though the rest of the document might otherwise seem to apply. Reading the exclusions section of a policy tells you what situations or items are left out of coverage.