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

The agreement also includes a future realignment of Idaho 55 to the west of its current alignment, according to ITD. — Noah Daly july 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026

To drive change, leaders must focus on closing the visibility gap through a combination of cultural alignment, proactive enablement and improved oversight. — Jesse Stockall, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

London is the first market where FoundRae found both the commercial demand and cultural alignment necessary for a permanent international home. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 17 July 2026

Other donors include safety researcher Gabriel Wu and alignment researchers Julie Steele and Jason Wolfe. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 16 July 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