# centralization

/ˌsɛntɹəɫɪˈzeɪʃən/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/centralization
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

the process of putting all the power or control in one single place or person. This often happens in a company or government when decisions are made by a small group at the top.

For teachers: the process of concentrating power, authority, or resources in a single central location or entity. Often contrasted with decentralization in political and organizational contexts.

## Examples

- The company is moving toward centralization to make decisions faster.
- The centralization of data processing in a single server room made the entire network more vulnerable to a single point of failure.
- While centralization can streamline administrative efficiency, it often leads to a lack of local responsiveness and a concentration of power that may stifle innovation at the grassroots level.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.