deindustrialization

noun

de·​in·​dus·​tri·​al·​i·​za·​tion (ˌ)dē-in-ˌdə-strē-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce deindustrialization (audio)
: the reduction or destruction of a nation's or region's industrial capacity
deindustrialize
(ˌ)dē-in-ˈdə-strē-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce deindustrialization (audio)
verb

Examples of deindustrialization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The scale of potential labor exposure, meanwhile, dwarfs deindustrialization. — Catherine Thorbecke, Boston Herald, 5 June 2026 If Detroit, the city most ravaged by deindustrialization, can remake its defining industry and rebuild its downtown around a single, audacious bet on the future, so can America. — Time, 2 June 2026 After years of deindustrialization and socioeconomic problems, Detroit saw a massive drop in population. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 23 June 2026 At the turn of the century, Youngstown was still experiencing ongoing deindustrialization and depopulation. — Christopher Briem, The Conversation, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for deindustrialization

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deindustrialization was in 1940

Rhymes for deindustrialization

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Browse Nearby Words

deindividualize
deindustrialization
Deinocephalia
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Cite this Entry

“Deindustrialization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deindustrialization. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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