commercialization
kuh-mur-shuh-lih-ZAY-shun
/kəˌmɜːrʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/
The process of managing or running something principally for financial gain.
Often used with a negative connotation, suggesting that the 'soul' of a sport is being lost to profit.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'commercium', meaning 'trade together'. It shares its root with Mercury, the Roman god of trade and messengers.
Word relationships
- commodification: A more technical term meaning turning something into a product to be sold.
- mercantilism: Specifically refers to economic systems based on trade.
Commonly confused with
- marketing: Marketing is the act of promoting; commercialization is the overall shift toward profit.
Word family
- commercial (adjective): Concerned with or engaged in commerce.
- commercialize (verb): To manage something for profit.
Collocations
- increasing commercialization
- rampant commercialization
- commercialization of sport
Example sentences
- "Many fans lament the commercialization of the World Cup, citing the excessive number of advertisements." Critique of modern sports.
- "The commercialization of space travel is no longer a science fiction dream." Economic development.
Memory hook
COMMERCIALization turns sport into a COMMODITY. Sport for profit.
When not to use
Don't use to simply mean 'selling things'; it refers to a systemic shift toward profit-making.
Fun facts
- The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics are often cited as the turning point for the commercialization of the Games, as they were the first to be privately funded.
Related words
Explore more words
commercialism, commercialize, commodification, commodify, monetization, exploit
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