prioritize

[ prahy-awr-i-tahyz, -or- ]

verb (used with object)

, pri·or·i·tized, pri·or·i·tiz·ing.

1. to arrange or do in order of priority:

   learning to prioritize our assignments.

2. to give a high priority to.

verb (used without object)

, pri·or·i·tized, pri·or·i·tiz·ing.

1. to organize or deal with something according to its priority.

prioritize

/ praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪz /

verb

1. to arrange (items to be attended to) in order of their relative importance
2. to give priority to or establish as a priority

Spelling Note

See -ize.

Derived Forms

• ˌprioritiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• pri·ori·ti·zation noun
• repri·ori·ti·zation noun
• repri·ori·tize verb (used with object) reprioritized reprioritizing

Word History and Origins

Origin of prioritize¹

First recorded in 1965–70; priorit(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

“Her alleged actions impacted the potential for improved learning environments across major school districts by selfishly prioritizing personal expenses.”

From Los Angeles Times

Former President Clinton visited Orange County to campaign for Tran, a sign of how much the Democratic Party prioritized the race.

From Los Angeles Times

It often takes a lawsuit and a ballot measure to force city leaders to prioritize safety and repairs.

From Los Angeles Times

We must prioritize early intervention programs for patients with conditions that aren't improving quickly, whether they're experiencing those issues at work, at home, or anywhere else.

From Salon

Trump is prioritizing a candidate who will commit to raising tariffs, sources told the Financial Times.

From Salon

Related Words

• compute
• register
• set up