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

Adding to the mix are gatherings organized by newer media outlets, such as Semafor and Punchbowl News.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

“The ELN is stronger than ever,” said Jeremy McDermott, co-director of InSight Crime, a group investigating organized crime in the Western Hemisphere.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Even basic compounds like carbon and hydrogen can form highly organized and unexpected structures.

From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026

Mine are dishwasher- and freezer-safe, endlessly reusable and organized in a way that makes actual meal prep feel possible.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

When music is organized into beats, it makes sense to write it down that way.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

Related Words

• coordinated
• formed
• formulated
• standardized