gentrification

noun

gen·​tri·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌjen-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce gentrification (audio)
: a process in which a poor area (as of a city) experiences an influx of middle-class or wealthy people who renovate and rebuild homes and businesses and which often results in an increase in property values and the displacement of earlier, usually poorer residents
a neighborhood undergoing gentrification
"This week, we're talking about gentrification. Middle-class people move in. Property values and rents rise. Things change and improve but not for everyone. …"Lulu Garcia-Navarro
Opposition is also stoked by fear of gentrification—displacement of longtime residents through higher rents or property taxes.Steven Litt
The construction of luxury housing and gentrification of neighborhoods is pushing families out of communities they have called home for years.Heidi Romanish and David Snyder
In an effort to keep gentrification from creeping in the same way into the 30th Ward … Jessica Gutierrez wants to keep a lid on property taxes and inform residents about affordable housing.Alexandra Arriaga

Examples of gentrification 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.
This rosy fate is hardly a given, however, in light of the neighborhood’s extreme gentrification and proximity to the hyperwealthy Hudson Yards enclave. News Desk, Artforum, 4 Feb. 2025 Love, Brooklyn tells the story of three Brooklynites — Wise, Behari, and André Holland —dealing with a changing city (due to gentrification) and changing relationship statuses (due to growth). Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025 They were pushed out of their historic neighborhoods by urban renewal, gentrification and the increasing cost of living. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2025 But the line between revitalization, gentrification and ultimately displacement is thin and often blurs. Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for gentrification 

Word History

Etymology

gentry + -ification

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gentrification was in 1964

Dictionary Entries Near gentrification

Cite this Entry

“Gentrification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentrification. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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