exclusivity
/ˌɛkskluːˈsɪvɪti
/noun [mass noun]
1The practice of excluding or not admitting other things: these banks maintain their exclusivity by setting minimum entry standards the event was criticized for its gender exclusivity...
- We share a history of racial exclusivity.
- The event was criticized by leading feminists for its gender exclusivity.
- In 1999, it admitted its first 10 female members — ending 212 years of male exclusivity.
1.1The inability to exist or be true if something else exists or is true: those that maintain exclusivity of religion—that is, one particular religion is the only true religion...
- We are embarrassed by the two technologies' mutual exclusivity, just as we blush and groan when computer-generated graphics stick out sorely from live action.
- One traditional answer is that these are not instances of conversion because there is no ideology of exclusivity between these sects or religions.
- This sets up the mutual exclusivity of the native expert and the ignorant tourist.
2Restriction to a particular person, group, or area: those inside the circle cultivate an air of exclusivity [as modifier]: we have exclusivity agreements with companies...
- The provision gives schools the authority to offer milk at any time and anywhere on school premises or at school events, precluding future exclusivity clauses in soft drink vending contracts.
- The newspaper will not require advertisers to sign an exclusivity agreement.
- The new version of the product was expected to gain at least three years marketing exclusivity from the FDA and a patent application is pending.
2.1The fact of an item or story not being published or broadcast elsewhere: there is no sense in us sharing coverage, and we would insist on exclusivity agents and publishers can demand exclusivity...
- The results are made available free to news organisations, though the latter can secure temporary exclusivity by providing half of a story's funding.
- Unlike the print magazines, which generally require exclusivity, websites will publish stories that other media also cover.
- Make no mistake, we'll get pretty worked up should another hack claim exclusivity for a story that we did first.
3The state of catering for or being affordable by only a few, select customers: the hotel’s emphasis is on exclusivity and luxury...
- In the 1960s, luxury and exclusivity of air travel was put forward.
- The club's teak-panelled walls speak of years of tradition, privilege, and exclusivity, dating back to its founding in 1896.
- "The firms want to maintain the exclusivity, because that gives them something to sell," she says.