redevelopment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, technical, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “redevelopment” mean?
The action or process of redeveloping something, especially urban land, to improve it or change its use.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action or process of redeveloping something, especially urban land, to improve it or change its use.
The process of demolishing or refurbishing existing buildings, infrastructure, or systems, and rebuilding or modernizing them, often for a different purpose or to a higher standard. It can also refer to the conceptual redevelopment of ideas, plans, or software.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. Spelling conventions apply ('redevelopment' is universal). The term 'urban renewal' is a more common American synonym for large-scale public-sector led projects.
Connotations
In the UK, strongly associated with post-war reconstruction and later regeneration of industrial ('brownfield') sites. In the US, can carry stronger historical connotations of controversial mid-20th century 'urban renewal' that displaced communities.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English, reflecting its common use in planning law and local government discourse. In US English, 'redevelopment' is standard but 'revitalization' or 'renaissance' are often preferred in promotional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “redevelopment” in a Sentence
[Subject] + undergo + redevelopment[Subject] + approve/oppose + the redevelopment + of + [Object][Subject] + be + under + redevelopmentthe redevelopment + of + [Area/ Building] + into + [New Use]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redevelopment” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council voted to redevelop the old docks into a mixed-use quarter.
- They are seeking funds to redevelop the crumbling estate.
American English
- The city plans to redevelop the industrial corridor with new tech offices.
- A private firm was contracted to redevelop the waterfront.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable. No standard adverbial form ('redevelopmently' is non-existent). The concept is expressed phrasally (e.g., 'as part of the redevelopment').
American English
- Not applicable. No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The redevelopment phase is expected to last three years.
- She attended a public consultation on the redevelopment proposals.
American English
- The redevelopment project received tax-increment financing.
- Redevelopment rights were sold to the highest bidder.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to property development projects intended to increase asset value and generate profit.
Academic
Used in urban studies, geography, and economics to discuss theories and impacts of urban change.
Everyday
Used when discussing local construction projects, changes to town centres, or sports stadiums.
Technical
Specific term in planning law, construction, and civil engineering for approved, large-scale works.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “redevelopment”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “redevelopment”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redevelopment”
- Using 'redevelopment' for simple repairs or decoration (use 'renovation').
- Misspelling as 're-developement'.
- Using it as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'a redevelopment' is fine for a project, but 'redevelopments' is less common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Renovation implies repairing and updating an existing structure. Redevelopment is more comprehensive, often involving demolition, major rebuilding, and a change of use or significant upgrade.
Yes, metaphorically. You can speak of the 'redevelopment of a business strategy' or 'software redevelopment', meaning a fundamental overhaul. However, its primary use is physical/urban.
It refers to redeveloping land that was previously used for industrial or commercial purposes and may be contaminated, as opposed to 'greenfield' sites which are undeveloped land.
It is neutral but context-dependent. It can be positive (bringing investment, jobs, improved facilities) or negative (causing displacement, loss of heritage, community disruption). The related term 'gentrification' often carries negative connotations.
The action or process of redeveloping something, especially urban land, to improve it or change its use.
Redevelopment is usually formal, technical, journalistic in register.
Redevelopment: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːdɪˈveləpmənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriːdɪˈveləpmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A phoenix from the ashes (metaphor for redevelopment)”
- “To turn a new leaf (conceptual redevelopment)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE (again) + DEVELOP (build/grow) + MENT (the process). It's the process of developing something again.
Conceptual Metaphor
CITIES ARE ORGANISMS (redevelopment as healing or renewal), or BUILDINGS/SYSTEMS ARE MACHINES (redevelopment as upgrading or reprogramming).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is LEAST suitable as a synonym for 'redevelopment' in an urban planning context?