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

The team maintains a clear focus on investment-grade bonds, prioritizing stability and capital preservation over higher-yield but higher-risk options. —Dbs Private Bank, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

The front office, however, prioritized strengthening its weakest link: bench production. —Kristian Winfield, Hartford Courant, 7 July 2025

When semiconductor supply was tight, automakers prioritized higher-margin vehicles and trims, which pushed average prices higher. —Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 7 July 2025

Market owners prioritize community over competition, collaborating on orders and supporting each other. —Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 7 July 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