Definition

The act of leaving someone or something out or not allowing them to be part of a group or activity.

Example

The exclusion of certain members from the meeting caused a lot of controversy.

Conversation

I heard they had a party last weekend, but I wasn't invited.

That's tough! I hate that feeling of exclusion when everyone else is having fun.

Exactly! It makes me wonder if I did something wrong.

Don't take it personally; sometimes people just forget to include others.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Exclusion → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "claudere" (meaning to close). The word describes the act of closing someone or something out, thereby preventing inclusion.

Memory Tip

Think of 'closing out' ('claudere') someone or something from a group ('ex-') — that's what exclusion means.

Visually Confused Words