noun

digitization

dij-ih-tuh-ZAY-shuhn

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Digitization (noun) means the process of turning data or information from analogue form into digital or binary form. Example: “The library's digitization of its old newspapers took several years.”

noun

The process of turning data or information from analogue form into digital or binary form.

"The library's digitization of its old newspapers took several years."

"Digitization lets researchers search a whole archive by keyword."

"Sound engineers rely on digitization to store recordings as computer files."

The shift of a process or organisation away from mainly analogue methods towards digital ones.

"The bank's digitization of its branch services cut queues dramatically."

"Digitization of the paperwork meant staff no longer needed filing cabinets."

"Many schools sped up digitization of their record-keeping in recent years."

How to use digitization

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDigitization is turning something analogue, like paper records or tape recordings, into digital data, or moving a whole process onto digital systems.

When to use it

It is a neutral, fairly formal word, common in business, library and computing contexts.

Memory tip

Remember it covers both converting a single item to digital form and modernising a whole process to run digitally.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

digitalization

Common pairings

digitization of records digitization process rapid digitization digitization project large-scale digitization

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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 “digitization” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The library's _____ of its old newspapers took several years.

Etymology

Digitization is formed in English from the verb digitize with the suffix -ation, which turns a verb into a noun naming the action or process it describes.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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digitalization digitisation

Rhymes for digitization

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

See all rhymes for digitization →

Frequently asked questions

What does digitization mean?

It means converting something from analogue to digital form, or changing a process so it runs digitally rather than on paper or other analogue means.

Is digitization the same as digitalization?

In the sense of converting data to digital form, digitization and digitalization are used as synonyms.

Is digitization spelled with a z or an s?

Both forms exist: digitization is the more common spelling, while digitisation is an accepted alternative form.

What is the meaning of digitization?

"digitization" (noun) means the process of turning data or information from analogue form into digital or binary form.