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

• 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 results showed that at a pressure of 69 gigapascals (GPa), the diamond only exhibited elastic deformation, retaining its defect-free lattice. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2025

Past studies have observed tissue deformations that suggest cells apply force — when migrating and invading tumors, for example — and Ojosnegros and his team wanted to explore the hypothesis that this also happens in implantation. —Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025

Geologists are able to measure various aspects of deformation along the fault and gather valuable data on the earthquake activity. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2025

Additionally, deformation of the overriding North America plate generates shallow crustal earthquakes. —Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Aug. 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