noun

nationalisation

nash-uh-nuh-lie-ZAY-shun

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Nationalisation (noun) means the act of a government taking a privately owned industry or asset into public ownership. Example: “The government announced the nationalisation of the railway network.”

noun

The act of a government taking a privately owned industry or asset into public ownership.

"The government announced the nationalisation of the railway network."

"Nationalisation of the mines was fiercely opposed by shareholders."

"Some economists argue nationalisation can protect jobs during a crisis."

How to use nationalisation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWhen the state takes over a private industry or company.

When to use it

It's a formal term most often found in economics, politics and news reporting.

Memory tip

Most British writers use nationalisation with an s, though Oxford spelling convention (like American English) uses nationalization with a z.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

the nationalisation of the railways full nationalisation threaten nationalisation oppose nationalisation

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The government announced the _____ of the railway network.

Etymology

Nationalisation came into English from French nationalisation. It can also be broken down as nationalise plus the ending -ation, which turns a verb into a noun describing the process.

Origin: French

Synonyms

View more →

communisation communization nationalization

Antonyms

privatisation

Related words

privatization privatisation nationalization

Rhymes for nationalisation

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

See all rhymes for nationalisation →

Frequently asked questions

What does nationalisation mean?

It means a government takes a privately owned industry or company into state ownership.

Is nationalisation the opposite of privatisation?

Yes, privatisation is the reverse process, where a state-owned asset is sold into private hands.

Why do governments carry out nationalisation?

Reasons vary, but it is often used to bring an industry seen as vital, such as transport or utilities, under public control.

What is the meaning of nationalisation?

"nationalisation" (noun) means the act of a government taking a privately owned industry or asset into public ownership.

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privatization privatisation nationalization