urbanization
/əːb(ə)nʌɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/(also urbanisation) noun [mass noun]The process of making an area more urban: he saw nature being destroyed by urbanization public opposition to the urbanization of the countryside...- Since gaining independence in 1964, the country has experienced a continuing shift toward urbanization which is reflected in its architecture.
- The debate over these little-known acts was a litmus test of the issues that lie hidden beneath Australia's rapid urbanisation.
- Urbanization is happening at such a brisk rate that the government is planning entire new cities in anticipation of large new urban populations.