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

London quite fancies using alignment to secure market access in sectors beyond those currently under negotiation. —Anand Menon, Time, 13 June 2026

This is in alignment with France’s Ligue 1, but not the other major European leagues. —Leon Imber, New York Times, 13 June 2026

Performative alignment is a disciplined appearance of unity that masks unresolved tension. —Britton Bloch, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

This alignment would not be entirely unprecedented, but rather an historic restoration. —Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing alignment

• in alignment
• out of alignment

Rhymes for alignment

• alinement
• assignment
• confinement
• consignment
• refinement
• misalignment
• nonalignment
• realignment
• reassignment
• reconsignment

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