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

Tools have developed to parse tone, placement prominence and narrative alignment. —Chintan Shah, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

But for all the enthusiasm, European corporatism is only in its beginning stages, with a lot of listening and educating still needed to achieve a true alignment. —Peter Vanham, Fortune, 7 July 2025

There is a chance for another large push up to the PCT given the incoming weather and alignment of available fuels within the drainage. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2025

The insole uses their special three-zone comfort technology that supplies arch support, posture alignment, and extra stability. —Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025

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