Meaning & use
mechanization
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Meaning
noununcountable
the process of replacing human or animal work with machines, especially in industry or farming
Grammar: Uncountable: 'the mechanization of farming'. Do not use 'a mechanization' or 'mechanizations'.
Patterns
- the mechanization of something
- increase mechanization
- mechanization in agriculture
The mechanization of agriculture reduced the need for manual labor.
Rapid mechanization in the 19th century changed the textile industry forever.
Critics argue that mechanization has led to widespread job losses.
Common combinations
- the mechanization of agriculture
- The mechanization of agriculture began with the invention of the tractor.
- rapid mechanization
- Rapid mechanization transformed the factory system.
- increase mechanization
- The company plans to increase mechanization to boost output.
- mechanization process
- The mechanization process took several decades to complete.
Synonyms and how they differ
- automation
- Often refers to computer-controlled machines, while 'mechanization' can mean any machine use, even simple ones.
- industrialization
- A broader term for developing industry in a country, which may include mechanization.
Opposites
Word family
- mechanize verb
- To replace human work with machines.
- mechanized adjective
- Using machines instead of people or animals.
- mechanic noun
- A person who repairs machines.
Commonly confused: mechanization or mechanism?
mechanization vs mechanism
A mechanism is a system or part of a machine, not the process of using machines.
Practice
The ______ of farming meant that fewer workers were needed to harvest the crops.
Choose one answer.
'Mechanization' is the process of using machines, which explains why fewer workers were needed. 'Mechanism' is a part or system, 'mechanic' is a person, and 'mechanics' is the study of motion or machine parts.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “mechanization”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.