prioritize

verb

pri·​or·​i·​tize prī-ˈȯr-ə-ˌtīz 

-ˈär-;

ˈprī-ə-rə-

prioritized; prioritizing

transitive verb

: to list or rate (projects, goals, etc.) in order of priority

prioritization

prī-ˌȯr-ə-tə-ˈzā-shən 

-är-;

ˌprī-ə-rə-

noun

Examples of prioritize in a Sentence

It's always difficult to prioritize work, school, and family.

If you want to do your job efficiently, you have to learn to prioritize.

The town council hopes to prioritize the bridge construction project at the next meeting.

Recent Examples on the Web

Understanding strategic bets allows leaders to anticipate future skill needs, prioritizing capability development and ensuring the right people are in the right roles. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Now, one month into negotiations, unions prioritizing telework have to walk a fine line between members frustrated with the revocation of remote work privileges and the Newsom administration’s hardline stance on the issue. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2025

To fend off scalpers, Nintendo has created a preorder system for the Switch 2 that prioritizes sales to loyal customers who play frequently. —Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025

Overall, parents should prioritize nutritional snacks when possible, but also let kids explore different foods, too. —Sherri Gordon, Clc, Parents, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prioritize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize