Specialist — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈspe-sh(ə-)list/ spe·cial·ist

Meaning & Definition of Specialist

Specialist (noun)

  1. one who specializes in a particular occupation, practice, or field of study
  2. an enlisted rank in the U.S. Army corresponding to the grade of corporal; also, any of several former enlisted ranks corresponding to the grades of sergeant through sergeant major
  3. an organism (such as a bird) specialized especially in food or habitat

Specialist (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person who has a lot of training, knowledge, or skill in a particular area

    "She was a specialist in chemical engineering with many years of experience."

    similar: consultant, pro, professional, ace, adept, artist, authority, cognoscente, connoisseur, crackerjack, dab (chiefly British), dab hand (chiefly British), expert, fiend, geek, guru, hand, hotshot, maestro, master, maven, meister, past master, proficient, scholar, shark, sharp, virtuoso, whiz, wizard, adviser, consigliere, counsel, counselor, addict, aficionado, buff, devotee, enthusiast, fan, craftsman, journeyman
    opposite: apprentice, beginner, neophyte, novice, amateur, inexpert, nonexpert, layman, nonprofessional, dabbler, dilettante

Specialist (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. involving, related to, or being special skills or knowledge needed to do a particular job

    "The job requires specialist knowledge."

    similar: authoritative, expert, professional, specialized, technical, esoteric, especial, exclusive, limited, narrow, peculiar, restricted, special, specific, unique, technicalized
    opposite: common, generalized, generic, nonexclusive, nonspecific, ordinary, overall, universal, inexpert, lay, nonprofessional, unprofessional, self-evident, self-explanatory, straightforward, general, nontechnical, untechnical

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Specialist

The most common words with a similar meaning to Specialist:

Chiefly British: dab, dab hand
consultant, pro, professional, ace, adept, artist, authority, cognoscente, connoisseur, crackerjack, expert, fiend, geek, guru, hand, hotshot, maestro, master, maven, meister, past master, proficient, scholar, shark, sharp, virtuoso, whiz, wizard, adviser, consigliere, counsel, counselor, addict, aficionado, buff, devotee, enthusiast, fan, craftsman, journeyman

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Specialist

Words with the opposite meaning of Specialist:

apprentice, beginner, neophyte, novice, amateur, inexpert, nonexpert, layman, nonprofessional, dabbler, dilettante, common, generalized, generic, nonexclusive, nonspecific, ordinary, overall, universal, lay, unprofessional, self-evident, self-explanatory, straightforward, general, nontechnical, untechnical

Word Forms of Specialist

Derived words: specialist (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Specialist

First known use: 1836

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Specialist

Words & Phrases Containing Specialist

specialist shop, subspecialist

Frequently Asked Questions about Specialist

What does "Specialist" mean?

"Specialist" means one who specializes in a particular occupation, practice, or field of study. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: one who specializes in a particular occupation, practice, or field of study. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Specialist"?

Other words for "Specialist" include consultant, pro, professional, ace, adept, artist, authority and cognoscente. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Specialist" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Specialist"?

There are 56 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Specialist". Common alternatives include consultant, pro, professional, ace, adept, artist, authority, cognoscente, connoisseur and crackerjack.

What is the opposite of "Specialist"?

Antonyms of "Specialist" include apprentice, beginner, neophyte, novice, amateur, inexpert, nonexpert and layman.

How do you use "Specialist" in a sentence?

Examples of "Specialist" in a sentence: "She was a specialist in chemical engineering with many years of experience."; "The job requires specialist knowledge.".

Is "Specialist" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Specialist" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Specialist" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Specialist" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Specialist"?

"Specialist" is pronounced /ˈspe-sh(ə-)list/ and divided into syllables as spe·cial·ist.