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

Experts suggest this is because consumers have been conditioned to prioritize low upfront prices, allowing companies to add extra fees later. —Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025

Otherwise, remember that a coat closet should prioritize hanging items first. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025

Class members who submit valid claims will receive funds from the settlement, with the distribution formula prioritizing those who owned Wells Fargo stock during the period covered by the lawsuit. —Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025

However, Takaichi appears unlikely to prioritize issues of gender equality. —NPR, 21 Oct. 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