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

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

Real roads introduce unpredictable factors such as tire deformation, surface changes, and sudden maneuvers. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Dec. 2025

This creates an anisotropic behavior where the wheel requires minimal energy to coil for storage but resists deformation under vertical loads. —Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 17 Dec. 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