urbanization

noun

ur·​ban·​i·​za·​tion ˌər-bə-nə-ˈzā-shən 

: the quality or state of being urbanized or the process of becoming urbanized

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The word urbanization started appearing in print way back in the 1880s, which says something about the growth of American cities. The expansion of Los Angeles was an early example of uncontrolled urbanization. Urbanization is often seen as a negative trend, with bad effects on quality of life and the environment. But apartments require much less heat than houses, and commuting by mass transit rather than cars can reduce pollution and energy use, and cities offer improved opportunities for jobs (and often for education and housing as well), so city growth doesn't make everyone unhappy.

Examples of urbanization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, in recent years the farmers have been fighting increasing costs for water and labor, greater competition from foreign countries, and pressure from sprawling urbanization. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026

The population is still threatened by urbanization, insecticides and non-native fire ants that feast on the eggs and babies. —Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026

Rapid urbanization and population growth, driven in large part by expatriate labor, have placed pressure on housing markets, contributing to rising property prices and rents that strain middle- and lower-income residents. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Mar. 2026

For years, Hyland has been interested in rural landscapes and their relationship to urbanization and climate change. —Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for urbanization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration