urbanization

American  

[ur-buh-nuh-zey-shuhn] / ˌɜr bə nəˈzeɪ ʃən /

especially British, urbanisation

noun

1. the act or fact of urbanizing, or taking on the characteristics of a city.

   Urbanization has led to more air pollution and increasing childhood asthma.

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urbanization Cultural  

1. The process by which cities grow or by which societies become more urban.

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Other Word Forms

• overurbanization noun

Etymology

Origin of urbanization

urbaniz(e) + -ation

Example Sentences

The final factor is increased demand owing to data centers, increased urbanization, resurgent manufacturing and electrification of societal segments.

From The Wall Street Journal

Their work applies population ecology theory to quantify the forces that shaped urbanization across the Classic Maya Lowlands.

From Science Daily

As America moved to mechanized textile mills, telegraphs and urbanization, that created demand for factory workers, machinists and communications clerks.

From The Wall Street Journal

Asia’s education sector has become increasingly attractive to private-equity firms and strategic investors due to rapid urbanization and a fast-growing middle class that can now afford higher education for their children.

From The Wall Street Journal

The editorial notes that factors such as climate change, rapid urbanization, and increasing international travel are helping mosquito-borne viruses spread more widely, creating new public health challenges around the world.

From Science Daily