industrialization
Americannoun
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the large-scale introduction of manufacturing, advanced technical enterprises, and other productive economic activity into an area, society, country, etc.
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conversion to the methods, aims, and ideals of industry and economic activity, particularly of an area that was previously underdeveloped economically.
Other Word Forms
- anti-industrialization noun
- nonindustrialization noun
- overindustrialization noun
- proindustrialization adjective
Etymology
Origin of industrialization
Explanation
Industrialization occurs when industry is introduced on a large scale to a region or country — for example, when an economy goes from being based on agriculture to being based on manufacturing and other industries. In Europe and the United States, industrialization occurred in the 1700s and 1800s, with the changes beginning in Britain. This period is called the Industrial Revolution. Textile manufacturing became mechanized, transportation (canals, railroads, and road systems) became more efficient, and steam power was introduced. Goods became more accessible and cheaper.
Vocabulary lists containing industrialization
The Industrial Revolution - Introductory
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The United States
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Canada - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Moreover, its rise narrowed the policy space for others: strategies that once enabled late industrialization are now contested or constrained by new trade, investment, and climate regimes.
From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026
Italy became a nation in 1861, but Grandi says it became “Italian at the table” only after mass emigration, industrialization, and economic growth.
From Salon • Jan. 24, 2026
I couldn’t resist Greg Steinmetz’s “American Rascal,” about Jay Gould and the escapades that led to American industrialization on the back of the railroads.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025
For investors, Wabag expresses the UPW theme tied to India’s industrialization rather than East Asia.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 9, 2025
They discussed the huge changes in England brought on by industrialization.
From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
