# institutionalized

/ˌɪnstɪˈtuʃənəˌɫaɪzd/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/institutionalized
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. systemic or established

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

describes a practice or belief that has become a permanent, official part of a system or society.

For teachers: established as a standard practice or norm within an organization, culture, or social system.

- The company struggled to fix the institutionalized sexism that had existed for decades.
- Sociologists argue that institutionalized racism requires systemic policy changes rather than just individual shifts in attitude.

Usage: Often used to describe negative social patterns like racism or corruption that are built into the law or culture.

### 2. dependent on a facility

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

describes a person who has lived in a place like a prison or hospital for so long that they cannot cope with life outside.

For teachers: rendered incapable of independent living due to the psychological effects of long-term residence in an institution.

- After thirty years in prison, he felt institutionalized and was afraid to walk down a normal street.
- The rehabilitation program aims to support institutionalized patients as they transition back into the complexities of unsupervised daily life.

Usage: Commonly used in the context of criminal justice and mental health care.

## Examples

- The old man became institutionalized after forty years in prison.
- Experts argue that the problem is not just a few individuals but rather institutionalized corruption within the local government.
- Sociologists study how individuals become institutionalized, losing the ability to make basic autonomous decisions after decades of following the rigid, pre-determined schedules of a high-security facility.

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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.