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inclusion
/ɪnˈkluːʒn/
the action of including
The company's policy on inclusion ensures that employees from all backgrounds feel valued.
The rule guarantees that people from every background are treated with respect and considered part of the group.
formal
The action or state of including or being included within a group or structure.
Social inclusion is a key goal of modern welfare policies.
Ensuring everyone participates in society is a main aim of current government support systems.
Often used in the context of diversity, equity, and belonging (DEI) in workplaces and schools.
Business
formal
The practice of ensuring that people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized are able to participate fully.
We need to focus on inclusion, not just diversity.
We must ensure that diverse hires actually feel welcome and can contribute, rather than just hiring them.
In business, 'inclusion' is the active effort to make diverse environments work effectively.
formal
The addition of something to a larger whole.
The inclusion of this clause changes the entire contract.
Adding this specific rule alters the whole agreement.
Used in legal or technical contexts to describe adding a specific item or rule.
Collocations
social inclusionensuring all people participate in societyinclusion policyrules to ensure everyone is welcomeddiversity and inclusionhaving a mix of people and making them feel welcome
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Diversity vs. Inclusion
Remember: Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance. Use 'inclusion' when talking about actions taken to make people feel they belong.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
In professional settings, 'inclusion' is a positive, active noun. Avoid using it to mean 'adding a random item' unless in a legal/technical context.
Word Origin
From Latin 'inclusio' (a closing in), from 'includere' (to shut in), from 'in-' (in) + 'claudere' (to shut).
Usage Notes
In modern English, 'inclusion' is often paired with 'diversity'. While diversity refers to the presence of differences, inclusion refers to the active process of making sure those differences are valued and heard.
Word Breakdown
in-
in, into
prefix-clusion
closing, shutting
rootEnglish Dictionary