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

• 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 rise of streaming, along with social media and AI, has amplified pressure on legacy businesses and induced consolidation as traditional players chase the scale and clout of tech companies like Netflix and YouTube. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025

The closing of the more than 50-year-old plant in Shelby was not a surprise as Solero announced its 18- to 24-month consolidation plan last November, Chris Byrd, Solero’s senior vice president of global human resources said in a statement Tuesday to The Charlotte Observer. —Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025

Tech types will note the continued, years-long consolidation in the global gaming industry. —Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2025

Our Revolution is also concerned about media consolidation, citing the pending merger between Nexstar and Tegna. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025

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.