What is Word Exclusion?
Word exclusion is a search feature that allows users to remove terms from results, usually with operators like a minus sign (-red shoes). It filters content by excluding specific keywords.
How It Works (quick)
- Operator-based:
keyword removes items with that term. - UI filters: “Exclude brand” or “Exclude size” in faceted search.
- Processing: Query parser applies exclusion before ranking.
Why It Matters in E-commerce
- Lets shoppers refine searches quickly (“boots -kids”).
- Reduces frustration from irrelevant matches.
- Adds precision when catalogs are large.
Best Practices
- Provide clear UI (chips, toggles) for exclusions.
- Support operators for power users.
- Log excluded terms for merchandising insights.
- Combine with synonyms and filters for smoother UX.
Summary
Word exclusion lets users refine results by removing terms, improving precision and shopping experience.
