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overinclusive

overinclusive

7.9
Applying to more people or things than needed for a purpose
  • adjective
  • /ˌoʊvərɪnˈkluːsɪv/
translation icon : excesivamente inclusivo
  • A law is considered overinclusive if it covers more people than it needs to in order to accomplish its purpose.

Examples

  • Screening tests are prone both to failing to detect problems, especially in cases of early and mild dementia, and to being overinclusive; that is, identifying cognitive deficits when none are present.

    Academic text (1998)
  • This fear has led courts to overcompensate for what they see as an overreaching, overinclusive statute.

    Academic text (1995)
  • The court's two criteria are overinclusive.

    Academic text (2017)
  • As discussed above, courts have found the statutory definition of an advisory committee to be overinclusive and stifling to normal governmental process.

    Academic text (1995)
  • At the same time, the current prohibition is overinclusive because it subjects all horizontal arrangements to criminal prohibitions and casts a shadow over many arrangements that may potentially increase welfare.

    Academic text (1995)
  • The English Rule remains overinclusive with respect to these kinds of promises, prima facie permitting courts to enforce a broad range of apparently noncommercial promises.

    Academic text (2018)
  • While the CCA implied that Texas citizens would find this definition to be overinclusive, it is worth noting that the pre-Atkins bill exempted intellectually disabled individuals.

    Academic text (2016)
  • A set of regulations is deemed overinclusive when it applies to more situations than are necessary to achieve its goals.

  • Many filters for job applications can be overinclusive, screening out qualified candidates without reason.

  • Critics argue that the policy is overinclusive since it addresses issues that are not related to the primary concern.

Synonyms

overbroad
vsoverinclusive
  • Jargon
2 7.4

Covers things it should not because it is too general

includes more cases than appropriate for the purpose
overgeneral
vsoverinclusive
7.2

Saying something in a way that is too broad and misses important details

includes too many items for a specific purpose

Antonyms

399 5.4

Only for one person, group, or purpose and not shared

118 4.3

To choose carefully and accept only certain people or things

How Inclusive

overinclusive
7.9
inclusive
88 4.1
selective
118 4.3
exclusive
399 5.4

Surface Forms

overinclusive positive

Morphology

overinclusive = inclusive (transparent) = over + inclusive

The productive prefix 'over-' meaning 'excessively' combines directly with the adjective 'inclusive' to mean 'excessively inclusive'.

Etymology

Overinclusive is made from over- meaning 'too much' and inclusive from include meaning 'to take in'. So, overinclusive literally means 'taking in too much', which explains why it describes something that includes more than is needed.