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

Following the incidents, OpenAI pledged to invest more in its safeguards and alignment work, which is the process where the company works to ensure that its models act in accordance with human interests and values. — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

One of Florida's senators, Rick Scott, who represents schools like Florida State University and the University of Miami, preferred to keep their conference alignment options as open as possible, voted no on the bill. — Becky Sullivan, NPR, 28 Sep. 2026

Also remember that anytime suspension components such as lower control arms are replaced, a wheel alignment should be performed afterward to ensure proper tire wear and handling. — John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

Microsoft’s latest Work Trend Indexrevealed that only one in four employees see leadership alignment on AI. — Bryan Goode, Fortune, 26 Sep. 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