C1verbUK spelling: commercialiseformalbusinesstravel
US/kəˈmɜːr.ʃəl.aɪz/
UK/kəˈmɜː.ʃəl.aɪz/
to run something mainly to make money, or to start selling it widely
In context
Critics say tourism has commercialized the old town and driven out its residents.
The university hopes to commercialize its research on solar panels within five years.
The festival was once a religious event, but it has become heavily commercialized.
Words that go with commercialize
verb + noun
- commercialize a productIt takes years to commercialize a new product.
- commercialize a technologyFew start-ups manage to commercialize a technology quickly.
- commercialize researchUniversities now try to commercialize research.
adverb + verb
- heavily commercializeThe holiday has been heavily commercialized.
- successfully commercializeThe firm successfully commercialized its software in Asia.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The beach was commercial by tourists.Correct: The beach was commercialized by tourism.