Urbanization: meaning, definitions and examples

🏙️
Add to dictionary

urbanization

 

[ ˌərbənɪˈzeɪʃn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

city development

The process of making an area more urban in character, usually by the development of infrastructure, buildings, and transportation networks.

Synonyms

city growth, metropolitan expansion, urban development.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
urbanization

Repeat entry; see the first entry for details.

  • Repeat entry; see the first entry for details
urban development

This focuses on the improvement and modernization of urban areas, including housing, transportation, and other infrastructure projects.

  • The urban development projects aim to revitalize the downtown area
city growth

This is often used to describe the expansion and increase in population and infrastructure within a specific city.

  • The city growth in recent years has put a strain on public services
metropolitan expansion

This term is more specific to the growth of a large city and its surrounding areas, often highlighting the extension of the metropolitan area.

  • The metropolitan expansion has resulted in greater connectivity between the city and its suburbs

Examples of usage

  • Urbanization has led to an increase in population density in many cities.
  • The rapid urbanization of the area has caused traffic congestion and pollution.
Context #2 | Noun

societal change

The transformation of a society from a rural to an urban one, involving changes in social, economic, and cultural aspects.

Synonyms

urban migration, urban shift, urban transformation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
urbanization

General term used to describe the process of people moving from rural areas to cities, resulting in the growth and expansion of urban areas.

  • Urbanization is rapidly increasing in many developing countries
  • The government is taking steps to manage the effects of urbanization on infrastructure
urban shift

Describes a broader change where more aspects of life, including jobs, culture, and services, become centered around urban areas.

  • The urban shift has changed the way people interact with each other
  • There's a noticeable urban shift as more communities adapt to city lifestyles
urban transformation

Focuses on the comprehensive and significant changes that happen within a city, including redevelopment, modernization, and improvement of infrastructure.

  • The urban transformation in the downtown area has attracted many tourists
  • After the urban transformation, the old industrial district became a tech hub
urban migration

Specifically refers to the movement of people from rural to urban areas, often in search of better employment, education, and living conditions.

  • Urban migration has led to overcrowding in some major cities
  • The city experienced a significant wave of urban migration after the new factory opened

Examples of usage

  • Urbanization is often accompanied by shifts in lifestyle and employment opportunities.
  • The impact of urbanization on traditional communities can be significant.

Translations

Translations of the word "urbanization" in other languages:

🇵🇹 urbanização

🇮🇳 शहरीकरण

🇩🇪 Urbanisierung

🇮🇩 urbanisasi

🇺🇦 урбанізація

🇵🇱 urbanizacja

🇯🇵 都市化 (としか)

🇫🇷 urbanisation

🇪🇸 urbanización

🇹🇷 kentleşme

🇰🇷 도시화 (도시화)

🇸🇦 تحضر

🇨🇿 urbanizace

🇸🇰 urbanizácia

🇨🇳 城市化 (chéngshìhuà)

🇸🇮 urbanizacija

🇮🇸 borgarmenning

🇰🇿 урбанизация

🇬🇪 ურბანიზაცია

🇦🇿 urbanizasiya

🇲🇽 urbanización

Etymology

The term 'urbanization' originated in the early 20th century as cities began to grow rapidly due to industrialization and population migration from rural areas to urban centers. The process of urbanization has been a significant global trend, with more people living in cities than in rural areas. Urbanization has resulted in both opportunities and challenges, shaping modern societies and economies.

See also: suburban.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,833, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.