Pigeonholing is a process that attempts to classify disparate entities into a limited number of categories. The term usually carries connotations of criticism, implying that the classification scheme referred to inadequately reflects the entities being sorted, or that it is based on stereotypes.

What does being pigeonholed mean?

Definition of put (someone) in a pigeonhole

: to unfairly think of or describe (someone or something) as belonging to a particular group, having only a particular skill, etc. He's a talented actor who doesn't want to be put in a pigeonhole.

What does it mean to be pigeonholed at work?

Have you ever experienced the 'career pigeonhole'? If you've never heard of the term used in the context of your professional endeavors, it means that you find yourself performing the exact same tasks day in and day out.