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

The condition may have caused pain and produced a deformation or swelling on her chest. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

This was done using a mixture of radar that measured surface deformation, engineering surveys, boreholes made at the sites, and independent seismic data. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026

The team studied aerodynamic performance, airflow transitions, stability and structural deformation. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 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

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