Prioritization Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prioritization

[praษชษ”rษชtaษชzeษชสƒษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

decision making

Prioritization is the process of arranging items or tasks in order of importance or urgency. It is a critical skill in personal and professional contexts, as it helps individuals and organizations focus their efforts on what matters most. Effective prioritization allows for better time management, resource allocation, and achievement of goals. This process often involves evaluating the significance of various tasks, deadlines, and potential impacts to make informed choices.

Synonyms

ordering, ranking, sequence.

Examples of usage

  • Effective prioritization is key to successful project management.
  • She struggled with prioritization during the busy holiday season.
  • Prioritization of tasks can lead to improved productivity.
  • The team's prioritization of urgent issues was commendable.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often struggle with prioritization due to cognitive overload, where too many options can cause indecision.
  • Research shows that our ability to prioritize can be influenced by emotions, affecting decision-making.
  • Studies suggest that breaking tasks into smaller steps can improve prioritization and productivity.

Education

  • Effective prioritization skills are taught as part of time management education in schools.
  • Students who practice prioritization tend to experience less stress and improved academic performance.
  • Setting clear goals can guide students in prioritizing their study material and managing their time effectively.

Business

  • In project management, prioritization is key to ensuring that resources are allocated to the most critical tasks first.
  • The Eisenhower Matrix is a popular tool for prioritization, categorizing tasks based on urgency and importance.
  • Effective prioritization can lead to increased efficiency and better outcomes in workplace projects.

Technology

  • In software development, prioritization of features can greatly affect user satisfaction and product success.
  • Agile methodologies emphasize the importance of prioritizing tasks for short development cycles, improving flexibility.
  • Artificial intelligence tools are being developed to help individuals and organizations prioritize tasks based on data analysis.

Origin of 'prioritization'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'prior,' meaning 'first' or 'earlier.'
  • It began being used in English in the late 20th century, reflecting a growing emphasis on time management.
  • The suffix '-ization' indicates the process of making something, highlighting the action involved in sorting tasks.

The term 'prioritization' originated in the late 19th century, derived from the word 'prioritize,' which means to designate or treat something as more important than others. The root 'prior' comes from the Latin 'prior,' meaning 'former' or 'earlier.' The development of the term was influenced by the increasing complexity of modern decision-making processes in business and management. As industries evolved, the necessity for methods to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities grew, leading to the formal adoption of prioritization techniques. In contemporary use, it encompasses various fields, including project management, time management, and personal productivity, highlighting its relevance in efficiently managing time and resources.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,118, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.