Meaning & use
inclusion
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Meanings
noununcountable
The act of making something or someone a part of a larger whole, group or list.
Grammar: Often followed by of or in: the inclusion of a map, inclusion in the team.
Patterns
- the inclusion of something
- inclusion in something
The inclusion of a short glossary made the textbook easier to use.
Her inclusion in the final squad surprised many fans.
The contract allows the inclusion of extra clauses if both sides agree.
noununcountable
The practice of making sure that people of every background and ability are welcomed and can take part fully and fairly.
Grammar: Used as a general idea, with no article: the school promotes inclusion.
Patterns
- inclusion of someone
- inclusion in something
The company runs training on diversity and inclusion every year.
Ramps and quiet rooms were added to support inclusion at the festival.
Parents praised the school's commitment to inclusion for children with disabilities.
nouncountabletechnical
A small foreign particle or bubble trapped inside a crystal, rock or other solid material.
Grammar: Countable and technical: the gem has several inclusions.
The jeweler pointed out a tiny inclusion inside the emerald.
Gas inclusions in the ice reveal the air of past centuries.
Word forms
| plural | inclusions |
|---|
Common combinations
- social inclusion
- The program aims at social inclusion for newcomers to the city.
- financial inclusion
- Mobile banking has boosted financial inclusion in rural areas.
- promote inclusion
- The club promotes inclusion by offering free lessons.
- diversity and inclusion
- She leads the diversity and inclusion team at the hospital.
- inclusion criteria
- The study listed strict inclusion criteria for volunteers.
Synonyms and how they differ
- involvement
- Involvement stresses taking an active part, while inclusion only says someone is counted in or welcomed.
- incorporation
- Incorporation suggests merging something into a whole, and is more formal than inclusion.
- acceptance
- Acceptance is about attitudes of approval, whereas inclusion is about actually being part of something.
- integration
- Integration implies blending different groups together, while inclusion can simply mean making room.
Opposites
Word family
- include verb
- to contain or count as part of something
- inclusive adjective
- covering everything or welcoming everyone
- inclusively adverb
- in a way that includes everything or everyone
- inclusiveness noun
- the quality of being welcoming to all
Commonly confused: inclusion or conclusion? inclusion or seclusion?
inclusion vs conclusion
A conclusion is an ending or a judgment reached after thought; inclusion is about being part of something.
inclusion vs seclusion
Seclusion means being kept apart or private, which is nearly the opposite of inclusion.
Practice
The new playground was designed for ___, so children who use wheelchairs can play alongside everyone else.
Choose one answer.
Inclusion means making sure everyone can take part. Exclusion is the opposite, and seclusion means being kept apart.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “inclusion”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.