group dynamics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

|Updated on: 13 Jul 2018

Definition of group dynamics

: the interacting forces within a small human group; also : the sociological study of these forces

Recent Examples of group dynamics from the Web

Ruth’s creativity is stifled, the group dynamic is off, and Sam is squelching any hint of excitement.

— kathryn lindsay, refinery29.com, "R29 Binge Club: Glow Season 2, Episodes 1-10," 29 June 2018
Certain settings lend themselves to the group dynamics Centola describes in his study, and that includes the workplace.

— david noonan, Scientific American, "The 25% Revolution—How Big Does a Minority Have to Be to Reshape Society?," 8 June 2018
The thing that’s awesome is watching them not only become comfortable in group dynamics but build strong friendships.

— christy turlington burns, Town & Country, "Karlie Kloss Is Taking "Girl Boss" to Another Level by Teaching Young Women How to Code," 9 May 2018
Lick the Star offers a rare glimpse at Coppola’s fascination with how hierarchy and group dynamics affect young women.

— olivia aylmer, HWD, "How The Virgin Suicides Brought Sofia Coppola and Kirsten Dunst Together," 20 Apr. 2018
Directing the viewer's attention at times with little more than a disapproving stare, Meinhard guides us through what looks at first like a straightforward study of clashing cultures and homosocial group dynamics.

— justin chang, latimes.com, "Valeska Grisebach's 'Western' is a broodingly intelligent drama of culture clash," 19 Apr. 2018
Another participant said the group dynamics are helping her in school.

— steve sadin, chicagotribune.com, "Deerfield class aims to empower, inform girls," 2 Apr. 2018
Meyer has an undeniable flair for illustrating how group dynamics shift once the fear factor enters the room.

— kerry reid, chicagotribune.com, "'The Antelope Party': We live in a world where 'bronies' can be radicalized," 31 Jan. 2018
But what's apparent, too, is that fits into the group dynamic - dozens of times over.

— barry svrluga, Houston Chronicle, "Tua Tagovailoa wins national title for Alabama, but Jalen Hurts remains a winner, too," 9 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'group dynamics.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.