exclusive

The word “exclusive” means restricted to certain people; not open to everyone. In plain terms, limited to a select few, or available from just one place.

“Exclusive” is pronounced ihk-SKLOO-sihv (/ɪkˈsklu.sɪv/ in IPA).

Here is “exclusive” used in a sentence: “It's an exclusive club with a long waiting list.”

The opposite of “exclusive” — its antonyms — are inclusive and non-exclusive.

Depending on how it is used, “exclusive” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “exclusive” comes from Latin. From Latin exclusivus, from excludere, "to shut out.".

“Exclusive” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Exclusive” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: restricted to certain people; not open to everyone.

Exclusive means restricted to certain people and not open to everyone, deliberately keeping some out. Inclusive means the opposite — open to all and welcoming everyone. An exclusive club admits only selected members, while an inclusive group tries to involve as many people as possible. The two words are direct opposites.

It depends on context. In marketing, exclusive sounds positive, suggesting something premium, special, and high-end, like an exclusive resort. In discussions of fairness, it can sound negative, implying elitism or shutting people out. The same restriction that feels desirable to insiders can feel unwelcoming to those left out.

A members-only club is a classic example — entry is restricted to certain people and closed to the general public. Other examples include an exclusive neighbourhood open only to wealthy buyers, an invitation-only event, or an exclusive offer available solely to existing customers. In each, access is limited rather than open to all.