commodification

American  

[kuh-mod-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / kəˌmɒd ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or fact of turning something into an item that can be bought and sold.

   The commodification of water means that access is available only to those who can pay.

2. the act or fact of exploiting a person or thing for profit.

   Some of the tourism to developing countries risks becoming a commodification of culture and poverty.

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Etymology

Origin of commodification

commod(ity) ( def. ) + -i- ( def. ) + -fication ( def. )

Example Sentences

The commodification of human newborns is striking in comparison.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 19, 2025

Riberio-Addy told the BBC that the "commodification of human remains perpetuates a dark legacy of colonialism, exploitation and dehumanisation".

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2024

But that was the inevitable result of where we have been heading for decades now because of this kind of commodification of the idea of speech.

From Slate • Nov. 18, 2024

The commodification of Los Angeles and Hollywood, and the rising population, has made the city an expensive place to live.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2024

Again, though, it is useful to put the commodification of gangsta culture in proper perspective.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander