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

Clearly communicate your reasons for seeking the transfer, such as a desire for career growth or a better alignment with your career goals. —Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024

The tightening of this alignment between Russia and China is one of the most important geopolitical outcomes of Putin’s war against Ukraine. —Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2024

That effect is unusual even for other kinds of cosmic alignments, such as planetary conjunctions. —Marina Koren, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2024

This alignment between the sun, moon and Earth is so rare that, on average, any one spot in the northern hemisphere experiences a total solar eclipse every 330 years. —Dean Regas, The Enquirer, 7 Apr. 2024

This perspective opens up fresh strategies for the long-term economic landscape of high-performance AI and offers tangible solutions to challenges around safety, fairness, and alignment in technology. —David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2024

For the neck, this means having your head in perfect alignment without bending forward, back, sideways or rotated, as this puts the least amount of stress on the supporting structures of the cervical spine. —Jacqueline Laurean Yates, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2024

Powerful saws with precision alignment fence Prices taken from company websites, excluding shipping. —Ben Blatt, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2024

True fulfillment lies in the journey of self-discovery and living in alignment with our values. —Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing alignment

• in alignment
• out of alignment

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