gentrification
noun
gen·tri·fi·ca·tion
ˌjen-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən 
: 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
Lulu Garcia-NavarroOpposition is also stoked by fear of gentrification—displacement of longtime residents through higher rents or property taxes.—Steven Litt
Steven LittThe 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
Heidi Romanish and David SnyderIn 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
Alexandra ArriagaExamples of gentrification in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Their worries about gentrification overlook research indicating a lack of housing options for wealthier households actually can increase displacement.
—Richard McGahey, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Rather than the effect of individual or institutional actions, gentrification is a logical consequence of a system in which real estate is viewed as an unrestrained commodity.
—Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2025
In Pilsen – which has seen declining crime and increasing gentrification in recent years – people who bonded with Toledo have sought to provide him some dignity in death.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
The use of archival footage helps tell the story of the changing nature of the city, where Greek locals have been pushed out by tourism and gentrification.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gentrification
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Richard McGahey, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Rather than the effect of individual or institutional actions, gentrification is a logical consequence of a system in which real estate is viewed as an unrestrained commodity.
—Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2025
In Pilsen – which has seen declining crime and increasing gentrification in recent years – people who bonded with Toledo have sought to provide him some dignity in death.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
The use of archival footage helps tell the story of the changing nature of the city, where Greek locals have been pushed out by tourism and gentrification.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gentrification
Cite this Entry
“Gentrification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentrification. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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