prioritize

American  

[prahy-awr-i-tahyz, -or-] / praɪˈɔr ɪˌtaɪz, -ˈɒr- /

especially British, prioritise

verb (used with object)

prioritized, prioritizing

1. to arrange or do in order of priority.

   learning to prioritize our assignments.

2. to give a high priority to.

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verb (used without object)

prioritized, prioritizing

1. to organize or deal with something according to its priority.

prioritize British  

/ praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪz /

verb

1. to arrange (items to be attended to) in order of their relative importance

2. to give priority to or establish as a priority

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Spelling

See -ize.

Other Word Forms

• prioritization noun
• reprioritization noun
• reprioritize verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of prioritize

First recorded in 1965–70; priorit(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

Survey data and retailer feedback suggests most Canadians are spending cautiously, prioritizing essentials and seeking out value while delaying larger purchases.

From The Wall Street Journal

A study published on December 19, 2025, in the journal Science Advances reports that some ant species organize their colonies by prioritizing numbers rather than individual strength.

From Science Daily

Some Los Angeles residents are tightening their belts and prioritizing necessities such as groceries.

From Los Angeles Times

"Our tool provides a reliable molecular 'map' that helps prioritize new biological targets, speeding up cancer research," Oviedo-Madrid adds.

From Science Daily

The deal signed Saturday "was negotiated in connection with reforms the Nigerian government has made to prioritize protecting Christian populations from violence," the State Department spokeman said.

From Barron's

Related Words

• compute
• register
• set up