gentrification

noun

gen·​tri·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌjen-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce gentrification (audio)
: a process in which a poor area (as of a city) experiences an influx of middle-class or wealthy people who renovate and rebuild homes and businesses and which often results in an increase in property values and the displacement of earlier, usually poorer residents
a neighborhood undergoing gentrification
"This week, we're talking about gentrification. Middle-class people move in. Property values and rents rise. Things change and improve but not for everyone. …"Lulu Garcia-Navarro
Opposition is also stoked by fear of gentrification—displacement of longtime residents through higher rents or property taxes.Steven Litt
The construction of luxury housing and gentrification of neighborhoods is pushing families out of communities they have called home for years.Heidi Romanish and David Snyder
In an effort to keep gentrification from creeping in the same way into the 30th Ward … Jessica Gutierrez wants to keep a lid on property taxes and inform residents about affordable housing.Alexandra Arriaga

Examples of gentrification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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After intermission, Williams and Johnson, both Nashville locals, spoke about the gentrification of their beloved Music City. Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025 He’s been unafraid to speak his mind in his songs, often speaking out about difficulties in Puerto Rico, like gentrification, economic difficulties, and the long-term impacts of colonization. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2025 Their act of defiance against gentrification becomes a bold expression of ingenious creativity. Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2025 Leaving their minority poor communities in, this will be rocket fuel towards gentrification and nothing in SB79 guards against that, sadly. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gentrification

Word History

Etymology

gentry + -ification

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gentrification was in 1964

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Cite this Entry

“Gentrification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentrification. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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