noun Uncommon

industrialization

in-dus-tree-uh-lie-ZAY-shuhn

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Industrialization (noun) means a process of social and economic change in which a society moves from a preindustrial state to an industrial one. Example: “Rapid industrialization transformed the country's economy within a generation.”

noun

A process of social and economic change in which a society moves from a preindustrial state to an industrial one.

"Rapid industrialization transformed the country's economy within a generation."

"Industrialization drew many workers away from rural areas and into cities."

"Historians study how industrialization changed working conditions for ordinary people."

How to use industrialization

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIndustrialization is the shift of a society from farming and craft work to large-scale industry.

When to use it

Industrialization is a formal word, common in economics, history and social science writing.

Memory tip

Watch the spelling: British writing sometimes uses industrialisation with an s instead of a z.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

rapid industrialization the process of industrialization early industrialization industrialization of the economy

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Rapid _____ transformed the country's economy within a generation.

Etymology

Industrialization came into English from French industrialisation. It can also be understood as industrial combined with the ending -ization, or as industrialize combined with -ation.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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industrialisation

Antonyms

deindustrialization

Rhymes for industrialization

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

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Frequently asked questions

What does industrialization mean?

Industrialization is the process by which a society changes from a preindustrial state to an industrial one.

What is the opposite of industrialization?

The opposite is deindustrialization, where a society moves away from industry.

Is industrialization spelled differently in British English?

Yes, industrialisation is a common non-Oxford British spelling, while industrialization is standard in American English and in Oxford British English.

What is the meaning of industrialization?

"industrialization" (noun) means a process of social and economic change in which a society moves from a preindustrial state to an industrial one.