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.
Central banks and individuals have been allocating to gold as a safe haven during periods of geopolitical instability, while silver and copper play a crucial role in industrialization and the AI race.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 29, 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
Starting in the early 19th century, German industrialization was closely intertwined with the country’s weapons industry.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 20, 2025
GE Vernova is developing fuel cell technology for commercialization within one to two years, with industrialization in two to three years.
From Barron's • Dec. 16, 2025
Much of Europe, Asia, and North Africa was the site of metal-equipped states or empires, some of them on the threshold of industrialization.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
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.
