consolidation

noun

con·​sol·​i·​da·​tion kən-ˌsä-lə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the act or process of consolidating : the state of being consolidated

2

: the process of uniting : the quality or state of being united

specifically : the unification of two or more corporations by dissolution of existing ones and creation of a single new corporation

3

: pathological alteration of lung tissue from an aerated condition to one of solid consistency

4

: the process by which a new memory is converted into a form that is stable and long-lasting

Initially fragile memories can gain stability via consolidation, but the extent to which sleep contributes to this process is unresolved …

—John D. Rudoy et al.

Synonyms

• merger
• unification
• merging

Examples of consolidation in a Sentence

the consolidation of several intelligence agencies into one super agency

Recent Examples on the Web

The austere budgets could bring cuts in social services, staff reductions and consolidation of programs for local nonprofits, Brown Grosvenor said. —Mimi Whitefield, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025

There will be further closures and consolidation of buildings in the fourth quarter, according to Tomé. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 Oct. 2025

The charts suggest that gold and gold miners are due for a more prolonged period of consolidation to reset their bullish long-term trends. —Katie Stockton, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025

Without a consolidation of that vote in the final stretch, Mamdani appears tough to beat. —New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for consolidation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

consolidation

noun

con·​sol·​i·​da·​tion kən-ˌsäl-ə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the process by which an infected lung passes from an aerated collapsible condition to one of airless solid consistency through the accumulation of exudate in the alveoli and adjoining ducts

pneumonic consolidation

also : tissue that has undergone consolidation

areas of consolidation

2

: the process by which a new memory is converted into a form that is stable and long-lasting

Initially fragile memories can gain stability via consolidation, but the extent to which sleep contributes to this process is unresolved …

—John D. Rudoy et al.