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

For a precision folding bike where millimeter-perfect alignment dictates how smoothly the hinges open and close, keeping the metal perfectly straight is a manufacturing advantage. — New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026

The structure is designed to strengthen alignment between long-term strategy, capital allocation and operational execution, according to a company spokesperson. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

OpenAI describes the incident as a failure of alignment as much as a failure of security, which is a precise description of a problem that has no patch. — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

The alignment is a helpful way for Democrats to change the subject from US-Israel policy, a topic that has bitterly split them in this state in particular. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 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