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 Prophet's teachings emphasize a return to pre-modern ways of life, rejecting the corruption that technology and urbanization brought to the world. —Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025

Dirty stormwater has been a decades-long problem worsened by urbanization and extreme weather events. —Courtney Heath, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025

With climate change, urbanization, and inequality disproportionately impacting marginalized groups, the call is for inclusive, digitally enabled solutions— and for a major focus in the lead-up to the International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026. —Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025

In an age of rapid urbanization and increasing dependence on screens and devices, a growing number of artists are reconnecting with the natural world through their work. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for urbanization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration