hasty generalization
nounUK /ˈheɪsti ˌdʒenrəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/
US /ˈheɪsti ˌdʒenrələˈzeɪʃn/
A hasty generalization is when you decide something about a whole group from just one or two examples.
Saying all dogs are scary because one dog barked at you is a hasty generalization.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A logical fallacy in which a broad claim is based on a sample that is too small.
The argument that all teenagers are lazy is a hasty generalization.
3. An unfair conclusion drawn about a person from a single incident.
Judging the whole team as bad players after one game is a hasty generalization.
4. A quick, careless statement that ignores exceptions.
Her hasty generalization about the new restaurant was based on one bad review.