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
Crystals are materials whose particles form repeating patterns that resist deformation, commonly seen in nature as snowflakes, diamonds, or table salt.
—
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026
Right now, the deformation zone looks to be just south of our region, setting up along and just south of I-68.
—Ron Smiley, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
Rain that gets through cracks in the pavement softens the soil beneath, causing more deformation under traffic loading and leading to more cracking, according to Jonathan Stewart, professor of civil and environmental engineering at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering.
—Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 14 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
See All Example Sentences for deformation
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Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026
Right now, the deformation zone looks to be just south of our region, setting up along and just south of I-68.
—Ron Smiley, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
Rain that gets through cracks in the pavement softens the soil beneath, causing more deformation under traffic loading and leading to more cracking, according to Jonathan Stewart, professor of civil and environmental engineering at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering.
—Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 14 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
See All Example Sentences for deformation
Cite this Entry
“Deformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deformation. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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