prioritize

verb

pri·​or·​i·​tize prī-ˈȯr-ə-ˌtīz How to pronounce prioritize (audio)
-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 How to pronounce prioritize (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Auto mode prioritizes efficiency, cleaning pool walls when the vacuum’s battery is over 50 percent charged and the floor when the battery drops below 50 percent. Maggie Horton, People.com, 20 May 2025 This speaks to the desire to be able to prioritize convenience, financial flexibility, cost efficiency or risk management and provides a balanced alternative to an all-or-nothing reliance on one payment method. Rick Watkin, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 According to the 2025 Parents Food Study, eight out of ten parents prioritize their children's health over their own. Christine Michel Carter, Parents, 20 May 2025 The film business is susceptible to the same pressures, the same corporate tendencies to prioritize technology, efficiency, and hype over humanity and art. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prioritize

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prioritize was in 1961

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prioritize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prioritize. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prioritize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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