consolidation

noun

con·​sol·​i·​da·​tion kən-ˌsä-lə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the act or process of consolidating : the state of being consolidated

2

: the process of uniting : the quality or state of being united

specifically : the unification of two or more corporations by dissolution of existing ones and creation of a single new corporation

3

: pathological alteration of lung tissue from an aerated condition to one of solid consistency

4

: the process by which a new memory is converted into a form that is stable and long-lasting

Initially fragile memories can gain stability via consolidation, but the extent to which sleep contributes to this process is unresolved …

—John D. Rudoy et al.

Synonyms of consolidation

• merger
• unification
• merging

Examples of consolidation in a Sentence

the consolidation of several intelligence agencies into one super agency

Recent Examples on the Web

The e-commerce and cloud computing giant spent much of the last two years digesting massive gains, but the consolidation appears to be resolving higher. — Jay Woods, CNBC, 16 July 2026

The speculation, which comes amid seismic industry consolidation, follows rumors that Netflix was eyeing Lionsgate. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 15 July 2026

But critics have decried what further consolidation could mean in an industry already controlled by just a few major players. — Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Fortune, 14 July 2026

Theater owner trade group Cinema United and the Writers Guild of America have both cheered the lawsuit, warning of the potential dangers of consolidation to an already-reeling Hollywood. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for consolidation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

consolidation

noun

con·​sol·​i·​da·​tion kən-ˌsäl-ə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the process by which an infected lung passes from an aerated collapsible condition to one of airless solid consistency through the accumulation of exudate in the alveoli and adjoining ducts

pneumonic consolidation

also : tissue that has undergone consolidation

areas of consolidation

2

: the process by which a new memory is converted into a form that is stable and long-lasting

Initially fragile memories can gain stability via consolidation, but the extent to which sleep contributes to this process is unresolved …

—John D. Rudoy et al.