prioritize

verb

pri·​or·​i·​tize prī-ˈȯr-ə-ˌtīz 

-ˈär-;

ˈprī-ə-rə-

prioritized; prioritizing

transitive verb

: to list or rate (projects, goals, etc.) in order of priority

prioritization

prī-ˌȯr-ə-tə-ˈzā-shən 

-är-;

ˌprī-ə-rə-

noun

Examples of prioritize in a Sentence

It's always difficult to prioritize work, school, and family.

If you want to do your job efficiently, you have to learn to prioritize.

The town council hopes to prioritize the bridge construction project at the next meeting.

Recent Examples on the Web

During construction, the project prioritized local businesses. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 9 Dec. 2025

The pope advised political leaders to prioritize cooperation over sectarian interests within its confessional political system. —Ramazan Kılınç, The Conversation, 9 Dec. 2025

Billy Gardell began prioritizing his health in 2020 after weighing around 380 lbs. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025

Travelers are prioritizing these experiences, turning tickets into passports and seeking their own 'mainstage' moments through unique adventures and global journeys. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prioritize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize