Inclusivity vs Exclusivity: What’s the Difference?

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Inclusivity vs exclusivity is a pairing that shows up in workplaces, schools, marketing and contracts, and the words can mean different things depending on where you meet them. In general, one is about welcoming people in and the other is about keeping access limited. This guide explains each word, how they differ and how to use them correctly.

What does inclusivity mean?

Inclusivity means the practice or quality of welcoming and involving all people, so that no one is shut out without good reason. It is used for workplaces, schools, events, products and communities. An inclusive event, for example, might offer ramps, captions and a welcoming tone so that more people can take part.

Inclusivity is closely related to inclusion, and many people use the two interchangeably. A common distinction is that inclusion is the act of including someone, while inclusivity is the broader quality or policy of being inclusive. Inclusiveness is another accepted noun form.

The word comes from the Latin verb includere, meaning to shut in or enclose. Over time it came to mean bringing people inside the circle.

What does exclusivity mean?

Exclusivity has two main meanings. The first is the quality of being limited to a select few, as in an exclusive club, a private event or a luxury brand. In this sense, the limit itself is part of the appeal. A high price, a waiting list or an invitation-only policy can all create exclusivity.

The second meaning is business-related: sole rights. An exclusivity clause in a contract means one party agrees to deal only with the other for certain goods, services or territories. An exclusive interview, for instance, means only one news outlet got the story.

Exclusivity comes from excludere, the Latin verb meaning to shut out, which is the mirror image of the root of inclusivity.

Inclusivity vs exclusivity: what is the difference?

The difference between inclusivity and exclusivity is who gets in. Inclusivity widens access and makes room for more people, while exclusivity narrows access and keeps a place, product or right limited. In this sense they work as opposites.

The two words do not always clash, though. In the sole-rights meaning, exclusivity is simply a legal or commercial arrangement, such as an exclusivity deal between a supplier and a store, and it has nothing to do with welcoming or shutting people out.

Is exclusivity always a bad thing?

No, exclusivity is not automatically negative. A small private dinner, a members-only gym or a limited-edition product are all examples where limited access is the point and no one is being harmed. Exclusivity becomes a concern when it shuts people out of things they should reasonably be able to take part in, such as jobs, education or essential services. Whether a given case is acceptable usually depends on context and purpose.

Inclusive vs exclusive in prices and lists

Inclusive and exclusive also have a handy practical meaning in pricing and counting. A price that is inclusive of tax already contains the tax. A price that is exclusive of tax leaves tax to be added. In the same way, “Monday to Friday inclusive” counts both Monday and Friday, while “exclusive” would leave one or both out.

How can you remember which one to use?

Think of a door: inclusivity opens it, and exclusivity guards it. The memory tricks below give you a few more hooks.

Common mistakes with inclusivity and exclusivity

• ✗ The club prides itself on its inclusivity, accepting only 20 members a year.
  ✓ The club prides itself on its exclusivity, accepting only 20 members a year.
• ✗ Our open-door policy shows our exclusivity.
  ✓ Our open-door policy shows our inclusivity.
• ✗ The rate is exclusive of breakfast, so breakfast is free.
  ✓ The rate is inclusive of breakfast, so breakfast is free.
• ✗ The exclusivity clause lets her sell to any retailer she likes.
  ✓ The exclusivity clause limits her to selling through one retailer.
• ✗ An exclusive interview means the story was banned.
  ✓ An exclusive interview means only one outlet has the story.

Memory tricks for inclusivity vs exclusivity

• In and ex: Inclusivity starts with “in,” as in everyone is in. Exclusivity starts with “ex,” as in exit, which means out.
• The door test: Inclusivity opens the door, and exclusivity guards it.
• Price check: Inclusive includes the item in the price. Exclusive leaves it out.

Inclusivity vs exclusivity FAQ

Are inclusivity and exclusivity opposites?

In the sense of access, usually yes: inclusivity widens access, while exclusivity limits it. Exclusivity also has a business meaning of sole rights, where it is not really the opposite of inclusivity.

Is exclusivity always negative?

No. Limited access can be harmless, such as a private event or a limited-edition product. It becomes a concern when it shuts people out of things they should reasonably be able to take part in.

What is the difference between inclusivity and inclusion?

Inclusion is the act of including someone, while inclusivity is the broader quality or policy of being inclusive. Many people use the two interchangeably.

What does exclusive of tax mean?

Exclusive of tax means the stated price does not include tax, so tax will be added on top.

What is an exclusivity clause?

An exclusivity clause is a contract term in which one party agrees to deal only with the other for certain goods, services or territories.

Conclusion

The inclusivity vs exclusivity question comes down to who gets in: inclusivity opens the door to everyone, while exclusivity limits it to a select few or to sole rights. Match the word to the situation and watch for the inclusive and exclusive uses in pricing and contracts. Share this with someone who mixes these up, and retake the quiz above to lock it in.