digitalization
gb/dɪd͡ʒɪtəlɪzˈeɪʃən/ us/dɪd͡ʒɪtəlɪzˈeɪʃən/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
C1
process
1
converting something into digital form
changing information into a computer-readable form
Usage pattern:
digitalization of [data/records/images/documents]
Common mistake:
Often confused with digitization. In many contexts they overlap, but digitization is often used for the basic conversion step, while digitalization can also suggest wider changes in how something is handled using digital tools.
Synonyms
digitization (Often used for the basic conversion from analog or paper to digital files.)
|
digital conversion (A more general term for converting something to a digital format.)
Antonyms
analog recording (Keeping information in non-digital form.)
|
paper filing (Storing records on paper rather than digitally.)
Collocations
digitalization of records
|digitalization of documents
|digitalization of archives
|digitalization of photos
|digitalization of patient data
|large-scale digitalization
|digitalization project
|digitalization process
|cost of digitalization
|digitalization program
Themes
technology
|information
|media
Examples
- The digitalization of the library’s archives made rare documents available online.
- After the digitalization of old tapes, the recordings were easier to edit and store.
- Funding was approved to speed up the digitalization of court records.
Learner examples
- The digitalization of the files took two weeks.
- We need digitalization of these papers.
Noun
business
C1
process
2
shift toward digital ways of working
using digital technology more in work and life
Usage pattern:
digitalization of [an industry/the economy/a sector]
Common mistake:
Learners may use digitalization when they mean a single conversion step (e.g., scanning). In business writing, digitalization often implies broader change, not just creating digital files.
Synonyms
digital transformation (Usually emphasizes strategic, organization-wide change and new digital business models.)
|
automation (Focuses more on replacing manual work with technology, not necessarily the full digital shift.)
Antonyms
manual operation (Doing tasks by hand or with non-digital methods.)
|
offline service (Providing services without digital channels or systems.)
Collocations
digitalization of the economy
|digitalization of services
|digitalization of banking
|digitalization of education
|digitalization of healthcare
|digitalization of government
|rapid digitalization
|nationwide digitalization
|accelerate digitalization
|digitalization trend
Themes
business
|technology
|society
Examples
- Digitalization has changed how customers open accounts and make payments.
- The report highlights the digitalization of public services over the last decade.
- Small businesses struggled to keep up with the rapid digitalization of retail.
Learner examples
- Digitalization is changing many jobs.
- Our company is working on digitalization.
Noun
business
C1
process
3
redesigning processes with digital tools
improving a process using digital tools
Usage pattern:
digitalization of [a process/workflow/supply chain]
Common mistake:
This sense is broader than scanning/creating digital files; it includes changing how the process works.
Synonyms
process automation (Emphasizes automating steps; digitalization may also include new digital channels and data use.)
|
modernization (Broader and less specific about digital technology.)
Antonyms
paper-based workflow (A process run mainly with paper forms and manual steps.)
|
manual processing (Handling tasks by people without digital systems.)
Collocations
digitalization of workflows
|digitalization of operations
|digitalization of the supply chain
|end-to-end digitalization
|digitalization roadmap
|digitalization program
|digitalization initiative
|digitalization efforts
|digitalization platform
|digitalization solutions
Themes
business
|technology
|productivity
Examples
- Digitalization of the ordering process reduced errors and delivery times.
- The team mapped every step before starting the digitalization of operations.
- Digitalization helped the clinic send reminders and manage appointments automatically.
Learner examples
- Digitalization made our process faster.
Noun
technical
C2
process
4
treatment with the drug digitalis
medical treatment using digitalis
Usage pattern:
digitalization of [a patient]
Common mistake:
Not related to computers; this is a separate medical meaning.
Synonyms
digitalis therapy (More explicit that the meaning is medical.)
Antonyms
withdrawal (Stopping a drug rather than administering it.)
Collocations
rapid digitalization
|digitalization regimen
|digitalization dose
|digitalization of the patient
|signs of digitalization
|digitalization therapy
Themes
medicine
|healthcare
Examples
- The cardiology note mentioned digitalization before starting long-term maintenance dosing.
- Because of the risk of toxicity, digitalization was monitored closely.
Grammar
Dictionary form
digitalization
IPA
GB/dɪd͡ʒɪtəlɪzˈeɪʃən/
US/dɪd͡ʒɪtəlɪzˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
di - git - al - iz - a - tion (6 syllables)
Stress on 5th syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: digitalization
- Plural: digitalizations
Word family
Forms
digitalizations
noun
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
non-digital
adjective
Advanced or less common
digitalise
verb C1
digitalisation
noun C1
Expressions
digitalization drive
1/dɪd͡ʒɪtəlɪzˈeɪʃən dɹˈaɪv/
fixed phrase
business
organized push toward digital adoption
a strong effort to become more digital
Examples
- A nationwide digitalization drive aimed to bring fast internet to rural areas.
- The company’s digitalization drive included new software and new roles.
digitalization initiative
1/dɪd͡ʒɪtəlɪzˈeɪʃən ɪnˈɪʃɪtɪv/
fixed phrase
business
a project to introduce digital changes
a project to make something digital
Examples
- The digitalization initiative introduced e-signatures for all contracts.
- Several digitalization initiatives failed because staff weren’t trained.
digitalization of records
1/dɪd͡ʒɪtəlɪzˈeɪʃən əv ɹˈɛkɚdz/
fixed phrase
turning paper records into digital files
scanning and saving records on a computer
Examples
- The digitalization of records freed up an entire room of filing cabinets.
- During the digitalization of records, some folders were found to be missing.
digitalization of services
1/dɪd͡ʒɪtəlɪzˈeɪʃən əv sˈɚvɪsɪz/
fixed phrase
business
moving services to digital channels
providing services online or digitally
Examples
- The digitalization of services allowed residents to apply for permits online.
- Digitalization of services reduced waiting times at the help desk.
digitalization strategy
1/dɪd͡ʒɪtəlɪzˈeɪʃən stɹˈætəd͡ʒi/
fixed phrase
business
plan for adopting digital technology
a plan to become more digital
Examples
- The board approved a digitalization strategy focused on customer self-service.
- Without a clear digitalization strategy, teams bought tools that didn’t work together.
rapid digitalization
1/ɹˈæpɪd dɪd͡ʒɪtəlɪzˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
digital change happening very quickly
becoming digital very quickly
Examples
- Rapid digitalization during the pandemic pushed many services online overnight.
- Rapid digitalization created new security risks that the team had to address.