Prioritizing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prioritizing

[praɪˈɔːrɪˌtaɪzɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

time management

To prioritize means to organize tasks or goals in order of importance or urgency.

Synonyms

arrange, classify, order, rank.

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Word Description / Examples
prioritizing

Used when deciding the order of importance or urgency for tasks or issues, often in a business or personal productivity setting.

  • She spent the morning prioritizing her tasks to make sure she met all her deadlines.
  • Prioritizing health over work can lead to a more balanced life.
rank

Typically used when listing items, people, or tasks in a hierarchical order, often based on quality, importance, or performance. Can sometimes have a competitive or evaluative connotation.

  • The committee will rank the proposals based on their feasibility and impact.
  • She always ranks highest in her class for math scores.
order

General term for organizing items in a sequence or pattern. Can be used in everyday language, formal settings, or technical contexts.

  • He likes to keep his workspace in order.
  • Please order these files alphabetically.
classify

Used when grouping items or information based on shared characteristics or criteria. Commonly used in scientific, academic, or organizational contexts.

  • The biologist classified the insects into different species.
  • We need to classify these documents according to their level of confidentiality.
arrange

Often used when putting objects or people in a specific order or pattern. Can be used in casual or formal settings.

  • Can you help me arrange these chairs in a circle for the meeting?
  • I need to arrange my books on the shelf by genre.

Examples of usage

  • Prioritizing your tasks will help you focus on what needs to be done first.
  • If you prioritize your goals, you will be able to achieve them more efficiently.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Time Management

  • Effective prioritizing helps increase productivity by focusing energy on tasks that offer the greatest return.
  • Using tools like the Eisenhower Matrix assists in categorizing tasks based on urgency and importance.
  • People often find that prioritizing reduces stress by clarifying what really needs attention at any moment.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that individuals with strong prioritization skills experience higher life satisfaction.
  • Cognitive overload from trying to manage too many tasks can lead to decision fatigue, making prioritization essential.
  • Emotional factors often influence prioritizing, as personal values shape what is deemed important.

Education

  • Teaching students prioritization helps develop critical thinking and organizational skills, essential for academic success.
  • Prioritization strategies are often included in curriculum to prepare students for the workforce.
  • Group projects in school often force students to collaboratively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines effectively.

Business

  • In a corporate setting, prioritizing tasks can significantly affect project outcomes and team efficiency.
  • Companies often implement prioritization frameworks, such as Agile and Scrum, to enhance their workflow and responsiveness.
  • Prioritizing customer needs can lead to greater satisfaction and loyalty, proving to be a competitive advantage.

Origin of 'prioritizing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'prioritize' comes from the Latin root 'prior', meaning 'before' or 'earlier', highlighting the idea of sequence.
  • It evolved in English usage in the 20th century, reflecting a growing need for efficiency in business and personal tasks.
  • Adding '-ing' indicates the ongoing action of making these decisions continuously.

The word 'prioritize' originated from the Latin word 'prioritatem', which means 'the fact or condition of being prior'. The concept of prioritizing tasks or goals has been essential throughout history, as it allows individuals to focus on what matters most. In today's fast-paced world, the skill of prioritizing has become even more crucial for personal and professional success.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,105, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.