selective

adjective

se·​lec·​tive sə-ˈlek-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by selection : selecting or tending to select

2

: highly specific in activity or effect

selective pesticides

selective absorption

selectively adverb

selectiveness noun

selectivity

sə-ˌlek-ˈti-və-tē 

ˌsē-

noun

Synonyms

• choosy
• choosey
• particular
• picky

Examples of selective in a Sentence

The club is selective in choosing members.

The college has a highly selective admissions process.

Recent Examples on the Web

For now, the park has encouraged visitors to limit showers to five minutes and take other steps, such as selective flushing of toilets and turning off water when possible while brushing teeth or shaving. —Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 7 Dec. 2024

Investors should take a selective approach toward utility stocks in 2025 as the incoming Trump administration could create a more challenging environment for the sector, according to KeyBanc. —Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 7 Dec. 2024

Rodriguez, allegedly second in command of Los de la M, was reportedly responsible for coordinating selective murders ordered by the gang in Santander. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

Watch on Deadline While more selective, Netflix’s relationship with roasts has also been impactful. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing selective

• selective breeding
• selective estrogen receptor modulator
• selective memory
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
• selective service

Kids Definition

selective

adjective

se·​lec·​tive sə-ˈlek-tiv 

: of or relating to selection : selecting or tending to select

selective shoppers

Medical Definition

selective

adjective

se·​lec·​tive sə-ˈlek-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by selection : selecting or tending to select

2

: highly specific in activity or effect

selective pesticides

selective permeability of a plasma membrane

selectively adverb