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

Managing the pressures of rapid urbanization—including housing, transportation, and informal settlements—is essential for sustainable development and for honoring the city’s centuries-old heritage. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025

The report, which provides estimates and projections on the world's population, detailed the stark rise in urbanization that's seen dwindling populations in rural areas and the creation of more megacities, which are those with more than 10 million inhabitants. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025

Data from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority indicates that Kenya’s electricity demand surged to 2,316 MW in 2024, the highest on record, driven by industrial growth and urbanization. —Martin K.n Siele, semafor.com, 21 Nov. 2025

Particularly from 1850, a time when industrialization and urbanization grew rapidly. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 Nov. 2025

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