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

By carefully designing repeating units, researchers can control these deformations to perform different calculations and even reprogram the material after it has been made. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025

Asurvey of three species of octopuses from Europe and the Americas catalogued a total of 6,781 arm deformations. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025

The cooling transitions were smooth, and the surface retained its gloss without deformation. —PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

Although the rate of subduction varies little along the entire arc, there are complex changes in the geologic processes along the subduction zone that dramatically influence volcanic activity, crustal deformation, earthquake generation and occurrence all along the western edge of South America. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

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