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 of consolidation

• merger
• unification
• merging

Examples of consolidation in a Sentence

the consolidation of several intelligence agencies into one super agency

Recent Examples on the Web

One reason was that the consolidation of health systems was leading to higher prices, as some systems had monopolies in certain markets. — Alana Semuels, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

Rocket Loans offers debt consolidation loans of up to $75,000, with same-day funding available for eligible borrowers. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

In the two years following the 2023 strikes, the entertainment industry lost 42,000 of its 142,000 jobs to streaming cutbacks, production moves to cheaper locations with better tax incentives, corporate consolidation and AI. — Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Lionsgate, led by CEO Jon Feltheimer, has been a potential target for years but shares have been boosted sharply by takeover speculation amid rapid industry consolidation. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026

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.