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

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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

By enhancing transportation systems, improving accessibility, and contributing to sustainability efforts, these technologies are helping cities overcome the challenges of urbanization and create more livable, efficient, and sustainable environments. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025

The researchers also explored what might be driving those trends, and ultimately linked rat sightings with temperature, the degree of urbanization (i.e., a lack of green space), and human population density. —Benji Jones, Vox, 31 Jan. 2025

These locations face threats from climate change, tourism, human conflict and political crises, natural disasters, rapid urbanization or insufficient funding and resources. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025

In addition to urbanization, widespread stocking of the birds for hunting has slowed or stopped, said Dodder. —Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above