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

Vendor consolidation and unit-cost reduction are separate questions, and as analysis of GitHub's shift suggests, token economics still follow the workload whichever vendor sends the invoice. —Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

The move backfired on Nexstar as a federal judge in Northern California issued a preliminary injunction, ordering Nexstar to halt the Tegna consolidation. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026

For example, debt management, credit counseling services or debt consolidation may help simplify payments and reduce your financial strain. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 26 May 2026

The consolidation was expected to save the city more than $1 million. —City News Service, Daily News, 26 May 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.