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

Since she was elected in July, the President has prioritized the protection of Indigenous and tribal lands, economic diversification, and responsible forest management. —Erin McMullen, Time, 5 Nov. 2025

The brand, which has won multiple design awards for its aluminum carry-on, prioritizes durability and design. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025

The best organic mattresses follow a different approach to sourcing than regular beds, prioritizing materials that have been produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, among other chemicals like flame retardants. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 4 Nov. 2025

On Saturday, Propel started giving payments of $50 to people using its app, prioritizing those with children and little or no income. —Maria Aspan, NPR, 4 Nov. 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