deformation

noun

de·​for·​ma·​tion ˌdē-ˌfȯr-ˈmā-shən  ˌde-fər- 

1

: alteration of form or shape

also : the product of such alteration

2

: the action of deforming : the state of being deformed

3

: change for the worse

deformational

ˌdē-ˌfȯr-ˈmā-sh(ə-)nəl 

ˌde-fər-

adjective

Synonyms of deformation

• distortion
• deformity

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

These could include intense earthquake swarms, rapid ground deformation, changing gas emissions, and unusual heat flow. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026

Chanard and her colleagues used high-resolution satellite measurements to track ground deformation and groundwater levels in the Sacramento Valley from 2016 to 2022. — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Apply distress to a young brain, and the deformation isn’t just in the education process, but in the neurodevelopment of people’s minds. — Erin Clabough, The Conversation, 31 July 2026

This study builds upon deformation mapping research from 2018 that suggested that, on average, Neanderthals had a smaller cerebellum than early humans did. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 20 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for deformation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation