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

Mayor Mike Duggan said most cities used the funds to plug budget deficits, but Detroit was in good financial shape and prioritized the Chandler Park fieldhouse. —Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 24 Aug. 2025

President Donald Trump has made sweeping strides to prioritize fossil fuels and hinder renewable energy projects. —Arkansas Online, 24 Aug. 2025

The National Design Studio will begin immediate assessment of current federal websites, prioritizing high-traffic portals like IRS systems and Social Security services. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025

People are not settling for crumbs—a failure to prioritize the wellbeing of workers will continue to have dire consequences. —Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 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