alignment

noun

align·​ment ə-ˈlīn-mənt 

variants or less commonly alinement

1

: the act of aligning or state of being aligned

especially : the proper positioning or state of adjustment of parts (as of a mechanical or electronic device) in relation to each other

2

a

: a forming in line

b

: the line thus formed

3

: the ground plan (as of a railroad or highway) in distinction from the profile

4

: an arrangement of groups or forces in relation to one another

new alignments within the political party

Examples of alignment in a Sentence

The school has to bring its programs into alignment with state requirements.

New alignments have been created within the political party.

Recent Examples on the Web

Sales and marketing expenses were reduced to $345 thousand from $1.8 million, also due to the alignment of TPA companies. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024

An update to the Contextual Task Bar now suggests text formatting edits, including alignment, font, kerning, and size. —PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024

Meanwhile, China has used economic policies to express its frustration with North Korea for its current alignment with Russia and its refusal to consult with China over military provocations, such as weapon tests. —Sungmin Cho, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024

Creating this alignment is the highest priority of L&D professionals, according to LinkedIn's Workplace Learning Report 2024. —Neena Newberry, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing alignment

• in alignment
• out of alignment

Kids Definition

alignment

noun

align·​ment

variants also alinement

ə-ˈlīn-mənt 

1

a

: the act of aligning : the state of being aligned

b

: the proper adjustment of parts in relation to each other

2

: an arrangement of groups or forces

a new political alignment