gentrification
noun
gen·tri·fi·ca·tion
ˌjen-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən 
: 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
Lulu Garcia-NavarroOpposition is also stoked by fear of gentrification—displacement of longtime residents through higher rents or property taxes.—Steven Litt
Steven LittThe 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
Heidi Romanish and David SnyderIn 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
Alexandra ArriagaExamples of gentrification in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Yeah, nostalgia is everywhere, but this Atlanta run feels more sincere, an effect of a city that once had these thick regional lines become obscured by gentrification, the internet, and its own musical success.
—Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 18 July 2025
The two men also discussed antisemitism, crime, gentrification and the Democratic effort to win back Congress in the 2026 midterms, Chermol said.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 18 July 2025
Anger about gentrification is not unique to Mexico City.
—Michael Rios, CNN Money, 10 July 2025
From gentrification, to the removal of indigenous communities from their lands for economic exploitation, to wars waged for territorial gain while wealthy countries profit from arms sales, the treatment of refugees and immigrants forced to leave their countries due to conflicts or oppression.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gentrification
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.
Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 18 July 2025
The two men also discussed antisemitism, crime, gentrification and the Democratic effort to win back Congress in the 2026 midterms, Chermol said.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 18 July 2025
Anger about gentrification is not unique to Mexico City.
—Michael Rios, CNN Money, 10 July 2025
From gentrification, to the removal of indigenous communities from their lands for economic exploitation, to wars waged for territorial gain while wealthy countries profit from arms sales, the treatment of refugees and immigrants forced to leave their countries due to conflicts or oppression.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gentrification
Cite this Entry
“Gentrification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentrification. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share