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

When deciding which programs to eliminate, school officials weighed factors, such as enrollment trends, instruction costs and alignment with UNT’s mission, according to Keller. —Jessica Ma, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026

That alignment is now happening, at great cost, in the Persian Gulf and beyond. —Monica Duffy Toft, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026

The alignment would run on the west side of Bruceville Road south of Cosumnes River College to Calvine Road. —Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 20 Mar. 2026

That should tell you that there were very significant, if not disagreements, there was no alignment on what we- what many of the things that were discussed that really meant. —CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026

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