dissertation

noun

dis·​ser·​ta·​tion ˌdi-sər-ˈtā-shən 

: an extended usually written treatment of a subject

specifically : one submitted for a doctorate

wrote her dissertation on an obscure 16th-century poet

dissertational

ˌdi-sər-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of dissertation in a Sentence

He wrote his dissertation on an obscure 16th-century poet.

Recent Examples on the Web

Wang failed her first attempt to defend her dissertation and became envious of her colleague's success in discovering how to deliver RNA to human cells using bacteria, Gomelsky told The Associated Press. — Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026

Gomelsky said Wang did not pass her first dissertation defense and became envious of her colleague's achievement in finding a way to use bacteria to deliver RNA to human cells. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

At first, Seghers leaned toward an academic career, studying art history at Heidelberg University and writing a dissertation on Jewish imagery in Rembrandt. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Kate’s academic and social success contrasts with Miles’ persistent failure to complete his dissertation (despite 11 different topics), but Miles slowly develops connections in their new community. — The Know, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dissertation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

dissertation

noun

dis·​ser·​ta·​tion ˌdis-ər-ˈtā-shən 

: a long usually written treatment of a subject