Definition

Relating to the act of leaving something out or not including it.

Example

The exclusionary policies of the club prevented many people from joining.

Conversation

I noticed that the club has some pretty exclusionary rules.

Yeah, they don't let just anyone join, do they?

I think that can really limit the diversity of ideas.

Definitely, it feels like they're missing out on some great perspectives.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Exclusionary → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "claudere" (meaning to close). The word describes something that closes people or things out, thereby preventing their inclusion.

Memory Tip

Think of 'closing out' ('ex-' means out and 'claudere' means to close) to remember that 'exclusionary' refers to something that keeps others from being included.

Visually Confused Words