gamification

noun

gam·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌgā-mə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce gamification (audio)
: the process of adding games or gamelike elements to something (such as a task) so as to encourage participation
gamify transitive verb
gamified; gamifying; gamifies
Easy-to-use Web- and mobile-based learning platforms … take the boredom out of long training sessions by gamifying the entire process. A training manual is replaced by an interactive game that allows participants to win awards and be acknowledged. J. J. Rosen

Did you know?

The basic concept of gamification isn't new, but the word itself is a 21st-century addition to the English lexicon. The word refers to the incorporation of game elements, like point and reward systems, to tasks as incentives for people to participate. In other words, gamification is about making something potentially tedious into a game. Gamification is effective because it taps into people's natural desires for competition and achievement. Teachers, managers, and others use gamification to increase participation and improve productivity. Gamification is also often an essential feature in apps and websites designed to motivate people to meet personal challenges, like weight-loss goals and learning foreign languages; tracking your progress is more fun if it feels like a game.

Examples of gamification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In addition, gamification in physical therapy is a creative approach that capitalizes on the natural human desire for achievement and reward. Kyle Russell, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024 This playbook of gamification, a willingness to sell at a loss to take market share, and hyper-aggressive marketing enabled Pinduoduo to seize the crown of the most valuable e-tailer from Alibaba in China. Drew Bernstein, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 Programs like the United Nations’ ‘The Lazy Person’s Guide to Saving the World‘ use gamification to encourage sustainable practices. Shirin Etessam, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2024 Much of the content should take advantage of gamification, which has been shown to improve student retention and performance. Michael Stebbins and Eric D. Perakslis, STAT, 15 Dec. 2023 While not appropriate for every situation, a little gamification can spice up the drudgery. Reece Rogers, WIRED, 9 Jan. 2024 There’s also a gamification aspect to help engage employees. Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2023 Think interactive quizzes, preference centers and gamification that integrate seamlessly with your online presence. Joseph Rutakangwa, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 Another complaint from claimants relates to a sense of gamification in the system. Gus Alexiou, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gamification.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

game entry 1 + -ification

First Known Use

2006, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gamification was in 2006

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near gamification

Cite this Entry

“Gamification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gamification. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!