nongeneral

Nongeneral is an adjective formed from the prefix non- attached to general. It denotes not general, often implying a restricted or specific scope. Because it is not a common word in everyday English, nongeneral typically appears in technical, analytical, or theoretical writing where a contrast with generality is useful.

In mathematics and computer science, nongeneral can describe configurations, rules, or conclusions that do not hold in the generic or typical case. For example, nongeneral position may refer to an arrangement that fails to meet generic non-degenerate conditions, such as collinear or coincident elements that create a degenerate case. In other fields, nongeneral can describe statements, policies, or findings that apply only to a limited domain rather than universally.

Usage and style vary; many writers prefer hyphenated non-general or simply the phrases not general or restricted. When nongeneral is used, it should be clearly defined in context to avoid ambiguity. The term stands in contrast to terms such as general, universal, or broad in scope.

See also general, non-general, degenerate position, specificity.