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

Her platform prioritizes policies focused on human rights such as pathways to citizenship, access to medical care, more affordable housing and protections for LGBTQ Kansans, according to her website. — Sofi Zeman july 17, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026

Public job boards are overwhelmed, and recruiters prioritize pre-vetted candidates, making traditional applications ineffective. — Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Amid outrage over the killings, the heads of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security ordered agents to suspend most traffic stops and prioritize other tactics for immigration enforcement. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Many Republicans want to focus on issues voters prioritize, such as the cost of living, NPR's Tamara Keith says. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prioritize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies