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.
On the series, her character prioritizes lab work over love, but in real life, the former Neighbours star is dating fellow actor Josh McKenzie. Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025 The free-trade agenda sought to deregulate the labor market and prioritize market efficiency, strengthening the hands of employers and severely weakening union and social movements, as anti-free traders had predicted. Dónal Gill, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025 These pillows, all tested and reviewed in our editors’ own beds, prioritize materials and a manufacturing process fully free from harmful chemicals like flame-retardants, deodorizers, and fiber treatment agents like pesticides in the growing process. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2025 However, both Warren and Lal agreed that whole fruits should be prioritized. Jillian Kubala, Health, 28 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prioritize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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