Prioritized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Add to dictionary

prioritized

[praɪˈɔːrətaɪzd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

task management

To prioritize means to arrange or deal with tasks or items in order of importance or urgency. It is an essential skill in both personal and professional settings, allowing individuals to focus on what is most critical first. Prioritizing can lead to better time management and increased productivity. The act often involves deciding which tasks deserve immediate attention and which can wait.

Synonyms

arrange, order, organize, rank, sort.

Examples of usage

  • She prioritized her tasks to meet the deadline.
  • It's important to prioritize your health above work.
  • We need to prioritize the most critical issues first.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that prioritizing tasks can reduce stress and increase productivity.
  • Psychologists suggest that when we prioritize, we align our actions with our values, leading to greater satisfaction.
  • The Eisenhower Matrix is a popular method that helps people categorize tasks into four urgency and importance quadrants.

Time Management

  • Prioritization is a key concept in time management strategies like Getting Things Done (GTD).
  • Effective prioritization helps individuals manage workloads better, avoiding burnout.
  • Many professionals use digital tools to help maintain and adjust their priorities throughout their day.

Work Culture

  • In agile project management, teams prioritize tasks in sprints to adapt to changing needs quickly.
  • Workshops and training on prioritization methods are common in corporate environments to enhance employee productivity.
  • Organizations that promote a clear prioritization process often see improved team dynamics and project success rates.

Education

  • Students are often taught prioritization skills to help manage assignments and study schedules effectively.
  • Teachers encourage prioritizing tasks to help students with time management and test preparation.
  • Research suggests that students who master prioritization tend to perform better academically.

Origin of 'prioritized'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'prior', meaning 'first' or 'earlier'.
  • It evolved in the English language during the late 19th century and began to be common in business language.

The word 'prioritize' originated in the early 20th century, deriving from the Latin 'prior', meaning 'first' or 'earlier'. It reflects the process of establishing a hierarchy of importance among tasks or needs. 'Prioritize' gained particular prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, as business environments became increasingly competitive, and the need for efficient time management grew. The term became integral in discussions regarding productivity, time management, and organizational strategy. With the advent of project management methodologies like Agile and Scrum, prioritization has become a foundational concept, emphasizing the necessity of focusing on high-value tasks to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in both business and personal contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,367, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.