adjective
- having developed expertise or focus in too narrow a field or area, limiting adaptability or broader knowledge
Usage: British spelling; American variant is 'overspecialized'; often used critically to suggest excessive narrowness
Examples
- The overspecialised curriculum left students unprepared for interdisciplinary work.
- He became overspecialised in medieval history and struggled to teach broader survey courses.
- Many overspecialised professionals find it difficult to transition to different industries.
- The company's overspecialised workforce lacked flexibility when market demands shifted.
- Critics argue that overspecialised education narrows rather than expands critical thinking.