urbanization
noun
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The word urbanization started appearing in print way back in the 1880s, which says something about the growth of American cities. The expansion of Los Angeles was an early example of uncontrolled urbanization. Urbanization is often seen as a negative trend, with bad effects on quality of life and the environment. But apartments require much less heat than houses, and commuting by mass transit rather than cars can reduce pollution and energy use, and cities offer improved opportunities for jobs (and often for education and housing as well), so city growth doesn't make everyone unhappy.
Examples of urbanization in a Sentence
Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 21 June 2024
Uncontrolled urbanization, climate change, poverty—that’s not nature.
—Lois Parshley, Scientific American, 1 May 2018
The film is set in a context where climate change, urbanization and social issues have drastically diminished the traditional migratory activities of the tribe.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 June 2024
The agency lists more than a dozen, including population density, urbanization, economic conditions, transportation, cultural factors, climate and strength of law enforcement.
—Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for urbanization 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'urbanization.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near urbanization
Cite this Entry
“Urbanization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urbanization. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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