adj Uncommon

institutionalized

Institutionalized (adj) means Made into an accepted, official part of a system or organization. Example: “The bad habits had become institutionalized over decades.”

adj

Made into an accepted, official part of a system or organization.

"The bad habits had become institutionalized over decades."

Placed in a care facility, such as a hospital or prison.

"He was institutionalized for several years after the breakdown."

So used to living in an institution that a person can no longer cope well outside of it.

"Long-term inmates sometimes become institutionalized and struggle to adjust to freedom."

How to use institutionalized

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither "built permanently into a system," or "confined to / dependent on a care/correctional facility."

Common pairings

institutionalized discrimination become institutionalized

Word forms

more institutionalized comparative, most institutionalized superlative

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The bad habits had become _____ over decades.

Synonyms

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institutionalised

Rhymes for institutionalized

sized prized baptized utilized notarized polarized civilized idealized organized oversized localized motorized

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Frequently asked questions

What does “institutionalized” mean?

The word “institutionalized” means made into an accepted, official part of a system or organization. In plain terms, either "built permanently into a system," or "confined to / dependent on a care/correctional facility.".

How do you use “institutionalized” in a sentence?

Here is “institutionalized” used in a sentence: “The bad habits had become institutionalized over decades.”

What part of speech is “institutionalized”?

“Institutionalized” is an adjective.

Is “institutionalized” a common word?

“Institutionalized” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “institutionalized” have?

“Institutionalized” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: made into an accepted, official part of a system or organization.