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

McCarthy, who was officially named as Tomlin's replacement on Tuesday, pledged to keep the 3-4 defensive alignment that has been the team's calling card for over 30 years. —CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026

This includes Cuba’s alignment with hostile nations such as Russia and its harboring of transnational terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas as well as its persecution of political opponents, suppression of free speech and corruption, according to the document. —Moriah Thomas, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026

Employees in these roles may be removed more easily when their performance or policy alignment conflicts with an administration’s lawful priorities. —James Broughel, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Advertisement First, there is AI alignment, or the risk that powerful AI systems work against human interests. —Billy Perrigo, Time, 30 Jan. 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