organized

American  

[awr-guh-nahyzd] / ˈɔr gəˌnaɪzd /

adjective

1. formally affiliated in a recognized group or organization, especially a union.

   Organized dockworkers on the East Coast were preparing for a major strike.

2. having a formal structure or network of elements, especially to coordinate or carry out widespread activities.

   Fraud is often committed by highly sophisticated webs of organized crime.

3. characterized by neatness and order, with tasks planned, materials arranged, etc., for optimum efficiency.

   Mom was a very organized person who kept detailed grocery lists and a budget book.

   An organized classroom with defined areas and spaces can be helpful for younger students.

4. systematically formulated or followed; codified.

   Specialized stroke centers offer an organized approach to inpatient care.

   Catholicism, with a capital C, is an organized body of doctrine, belief, and worship.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of organize.

organized British  

/ ˈɔːɡəˌnaɪzd /

adjective

1. planned and controlled on a large scale and involving many people

   organized crime

2. orderly and efficient

   a highly organized campaign

3. (of the workers in a factory or office) belonging to a trade union

   organized labour

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Other Word Forms

• well-organized
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of organized

First recorded in 1810–20; organize + -ed ²

Explanation

If something’s organized, it’s arranged in a systematic, orderly way. If you’ve got a zillion baseball cards, keeping them organized is a good idea, so you can find Hank Aaron when you need him. If you're an organized person, you keep your desk clean, your house is neat, and you keep track what you need to accomplish and when. If you're a member of the circus workers' union, you're part of the organized labor movement. You and your fellow clowns can benefit from the fact that organized workers can bargain for higher wages as a group, and that generally works better than if you try to negotiate on your own. Even if you’re funny.

Example Sentences

Security is the main concern of Brazilian voters ahead of the election, and combating organized crime is high on the agenda of the meeting.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Once the radio wave input was switched off, the magnons organized themselves into a time crystal.

From Science Daily • May 5, 2026

When she realized she couldn’t afford the gas money to go to the No Kings protest a county away, she organized one in her own.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

He joined the Caltech Christian Fellowship, taking on a leadership role in which he organized Bible discussions, as well as the fencing team and the Nerf Club.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2026

But Eddie puts them into a very organized file on her computer called a spreadsheet, highlighting pieces of the interviews that are contradictory.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Related Words

• coordinated
• formed
• formulated
• standardized