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

While the overall forested area has remained relatively stable for the past century, new challenges now threaten these ecosystems such as climate change, wildfires, disease outbreaks, and continued urbanization. —Martha McHardy, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025

Globally, a combination of urbanization, aging populations and changing consumer preferences are driving the investment needs, including in mass transit, clean energy, housing, water, food production and waste management. —Josh Fellman, Quartz, 26 Feb. 2025

McLennan and her colleagues say that urbanization has isolated the animals, preventing them from breeding with koalas from outside of the city. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025

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

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