urbanization

noun

ur·​ban·​i·​za·​tion ˌər-bə-nə-ˈzā-shən 

: the quality or state of being urbanized or the process of becoming urbanized

Did you know?

The word urbanization started appearing in print way back in the 1880s, which says something about the growth of American cities. The expansion of Los Angeles was an early example of uncontrolled urbanization. Urbanization is often seen as a negative trend, with bad effects on quality of life and the environment. But apartments require much less heat than houses, and commuting by mass transit rather than cars can reduce pollution and energy use, and cities offer improved opportunities for jobs (and often for education and housing as well), so city growth doesn't make everyone unhappy.

Examples of urbanization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The film is set in a context where climate change, urbanization and social issues have drastically diminished the traditional migratory activities of the tribe. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 June 2024

The agency lists more than a dozen, including population density, urbanization, economic conditions, transportation, cultural factors, climate and strength of law enforcement. —Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2024

Drought, climate change, urbanization, infrastructure issues and other factors are driving down water levels in a group of reservoirs called the Cutzamala system. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 June 2024

Another is that fire-response resources have failed to keep up with urbanization that is happening rapidly and often without regard to safety. —Hari Kumar, New York Times, 26 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above