commercialization
n.n. the process of making something, like an idea or a service, into a business that sells things for profit.
n. the process of converting a product, service, or idea into a commercial enterprise for profit. Often used to describe the shift from non-profit or public interest activities to market-driven ones.
The commercialization of the new drug took several years.
The commercialization of space travel has led to a significant drop in the cost of launching satellites.
Critics argue that the commercialization of education has prioritized market demands over the intrinsic value of learning, leading to a narrow focus on vocational skills rather than critical thinking.
From commercialize + -ation or commercial + -ization.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated May 18, 2026