liberalization

American  

[lib-er-uh-lahy-zey-shuhn, lib-ruh-] / ˌlɪb ər əˌlaɪˈzeɪ ʃən, ˌlɪb rə- /

especially British, liberalisation

noun

1. the state of being or becoming more favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs.

   The liberalization of Anglican thought predates the rise of Protestant fundamentalism.

2. the act or process of making something, such as laws or regulations, less restrictive, or the state of being or becoming less restrictive.

   The president has proposed liberalization of the criminal code to allow for a reduction in maximum sentences and the introduction of monetary fines for less severe offenses.

   The government is updating existing contracts with some foreign companies to favor liberalization and free market competition.

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Other Word Forms

• overliberalization noun

Etymology

Origin of liberalization

liberaliz(e) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

Trade liberalization is wreaking havoc with industry, even as agricultural exports drove 4.4% gross domestic product growth last year.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

India’s largest trading partner in goods and services, seems to have prompted a new push for economic liberalization in New Delhi.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

One classic argument for agricultural trade liberalization is to let countries exploit their comparative advantages and grow what they grow best.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 26, 2024

He was succeeded last year by his son, Hun Manet, but there have been few signs of political liberalization.

From Seattle Times • May 11, 2024

On the negative side, in   December 2003 the electorate voted to repeal the law permitting a   cautious liberalization of the energy industry.

From The 2004 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency