globalization

noun

glob·​al·​i·​za·​tion ˌglō-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

: the act or process of globalizing : the state of being globalized

especially : the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked especially by free trade, free flow of capital, and the tapping of cheaper foreign labor markets

Globalization brought with it elongated supply chains, as manufacturing and production were moved across oceans and continents.

—Mary Hui

Much of globalization's appeal came from the cheap labor offered in manufacturing hubs like China and Vietnam. Companies moved production abroad, and lower labor costs kept prices low for all kinds of goods.

—Ben Winck

Free-trade proponents argue there are always winners and losers in globalization, but overall, gains outweigh losses. … That "everyone's better off" argument, though, rang hollow among Rust Belt workers left behind in globalization …

—Kristina Johnson and Samuel Fromartz

Examples of globalization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In this environment, Fine said the old debate between globalization and localization is outdated. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 21 Nov. 2025

This is driven by job losses tied to globalization and eroded trust in leaders and experts after COVID-19 and rampant disinformation. —Richard Edelman, Fortune, 18 Nov. 2025

The third was globalist antipathy, or a recognition that globalization has failed. —Alex Hinton, The Conversation, 18 Nov. 2025

The hosts pressed Iger on how Disney is grappling with the the globalization of media and culture in a brand that is synonymous with Americana past and present. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see globe entry 1

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing globalization

• anti-globalization

Rhymes for globalization

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