deformation
noun
de·for·ma·tion
ˌdē-ˌfȯr-ˈmā-shən 
ˌde-fər-
ˌde-fər-
1
: alteration of form or shape
also
: the product of such alteration
3
: change for the worse
Examples of deformation in a Sentence
the catastrophic deformation of the steel girders under the enormous weight of the bridge
Recent Examples on the Web
This makes the material harder and more resistant to deformation.
—
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
Though cranial deformations were not unheard of in Mesoamerica, researchers stressed that this type is less common than other types in the region — and unusually combines both tabular erect and tabular superior styles.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 29 Dec. 2025
Scientists in 2024 confirmed that Earth’s inner core reversed its spin, and in February 2025 the same team revealed changes to the inner core’s shape, with deformations in its shallowest level.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 29 Dec. 2025
Time-series analysis of shear deformation rates, based on satellite data, also showed a sharp increase during that same winter.
—Ritsuko Kawai, Wired News, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deformation
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Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
Though cranial deformations were not unheard of in Mesoamerica, researchers stressed that this type is less common than other types in the region — and unusually combines both tabular erect and tabular superior styles.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 29 Dec. 2025
Scientists in 2024 confirmed that Earth’s inner core reversed its spin, and in February 2025 the same team revealed changes to the inner core’s shape, with deformations in its shallowest level.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 29 Dec. 2025
Time-series analysis of shear deformation rates, based on satellite data, also showed a sharp increase during that same winter.
—Ritsuko Kawai, Wired News, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deformation
Cite this Entry
“Deformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deformation. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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