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

Physician-Centered Models Within A Shifting Landscape As telehealth evolves amid regulatory shifts and market consolidation, organizational agility becomes critical. —Marc Serota, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Hovering above all this is a related belief in promoting regionalism as a hedge against the flattening influence of corporate-media consolidation. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2025

Falling profits and consolidation within the music industry led MCA to sell its concessions rights in Yosemite in 1993. —Michael Childers, The Conversation, 31 July 2025

With new entries into the market, as well as investment and consolidation among existing players, food and beverage contracts are now regularly battled over by six large competitors: Aramark, Delaware North, Legends, Levy, Oak View Group and Sodexo. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 31 July 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.