Prioritised vs. Prioritized — What's the Difference?

Prioritised" is the preferred spelling in British English, reflecting the British convention of using "s" instead of "z" in verbs. This follows the general rule of British spelling, which often favors "s" for words derived from Greek or Latin roots. "Prioritized" is the American English spelling, adhering to the American convention of using "z" in such verbs. This form aligns with other American English preferences for spelling verbs that denote action or process.

Both "prioritised" and "prioritized" mean to arrange or rank something according to its importance. In British English, "prioritised" maintains consistency with other similar verbs, while in American English, "prioritized" fits the broader trend of using "z" in verbs.

Usage of "prioritised" is more common in countries that follow British English norms, such as the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Conversely, "prioritized" is predominantly used in the United States and countries influenced by American English standards.

In academic and professional settings, the choice between "prioritised" and "prioritized" typically depends on the regional preferences of the institution or publication. For instance, British journals would use "prioritised," whereas American journals would prefer "prioritized."