noun

centralization

sen-truh-ly-ZAY-shuhn

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Centralization (noun) means the process of bringing separate parts together under a single, central authority or control. Example: “The centralization of the company's finance teams meant every invoice was now approved from head office.”

noun

The process of bringing separate parts together under a single, central authority or control.

"The centralization of the company's finance teams meant every invoice was now approved from head office."

"Critics argued that centralization of power left local councils with almost no independent say."

"Centralization of the school's IT systems made it easier to update software across every campus at once."

How to use centralization

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBringing things together under one central point of control.

When to use it

It is a formal, fairly abstract noun, more common in writing about politics, business or organisation than in everyday chat.

Memory tip

Remember it is a noun describing a process, so it usually needs a verb like 'increase', 'resist' or 'lead to' alongside it.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

centralization of power centralization of decision-making increased centralization resist centralization

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “centralization” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of the company's finance teams meant every invoice was now approved from head office.

Etymology

Centralization came into English from the French word centralisation. It was formed from the root central together with the ending -ization, or, seen another way, from the verb centralize plus -ation.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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consolidation

Antonyms

decentralization

Related words

integration merger consolidation consolidate

Rhymes for centralization

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

See all rhymes for centralization →

Frequently asked questions

What does centralization mean?

It means gathering separate parts, powers or activities together so they are run from one central point rather than several.

Is centralization the same as centralisation?

Yes, centralisation is simply the British spelling variant of the same word; centralization is the form used in American English and in Oxford-style British English.

What is the opposite of centralization?

The opposite is decentralization, where control or activity is spread out to several places instead of being held in one.

What is the meaning of centralization?

"centralization" (noun) means the process of bringing separate parts together under a single, central authority or control.

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