prioritize

American  

[prahy-awr-i-tahyz, -or-] / praɪˈɔr ɪˌtaɪz, -ˈɒr- /

especially British, prioritise

verb (used with object)

prioritized, prioritizing

1. to arrange or do in order of priority.

   learning to prioritize our assignments.

2. to give a high priority to.

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verb (used without object)

prioritized, prioritizing

1. to organize or deal with something according to its priority.

prioritize British  

/ praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪz /

verb

1. to arrange (items to be attended to) in order of their relative importance

2. to give priority to or establish as a priority

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Spelling

See -ize.

Other Word Forms

• prioritization noun
• reprioritization noun
• reprioritize verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of prioritize

First recorded in 1965–70; priorit(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

They help forecast demand, optimize planting, prioritize shipments, and manage inventory.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Research and polling suggests Latino voters prioritize cost-of-living issues — such as housing, wages and inflation — over immigration, a topic often emphasized in national messaging.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

However, NordVPN’s larger footprint and broader range of specialty tools may appeal more to users who prioritize speed, flexibility and advanced privacy options.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

Operators also are likely to prioritize restoring existing fields instead of new developments, creating demand for contractors and equipment makers, “especially those with regional experience and existing agreements with national oil companies,” the analysts said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

The decision to prioritize a victory in space over problems on Earth was the most widespread criticism against the space program.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

Related Words

• compute
• register
• set up