solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: an action or process of solving a problem

b

: an answer to a problem : explanation

specifically : a set of values of the variables that satisfies an equation

2

a

: an act or the process by which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is homogeneously mixed with a liquid or sometimes a gas or solid

b

: a homogeneous mixture formed by this process

especially : a single-phase liquid system

c

: the condition of being dissolved

3

: a bringing or coming to an end or into a state of discontinuity

Synonyms

• answer
• result

Examples of solution in a Sentence

Medication may not be the best solution for the patient's condition.

The solution is simple you need to spend less money.

She made a solution of baking soda and water.

a 40 percent saline solution

He rinsed the contact lens with saline solution.

the solution of sucrose in water

Recent Examples on the Web

Integration Of Domain Expertise: Allows for direct incorporation of expert knowledge (e.g., via knowledge graphs) into the learning and reasoning process, making AI solutions more contextually aware and effective. —Anuradha Weeraman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

When every block in New York tells a story of her own bad behavior, the only solution is to take a job in London…. —Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 1 July 2025

In the last decade, more people have moved into the sprawl of this arid desert valley and the couple expanded into luxury spec properties that prioritize thoughtful, forward-thinking building solutions. —Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2025

Plus, if the countertops are feeling cluttered, the sale includes deals on storage solutions, like this spice drawer organizer, which is 61 percent off. —Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 1 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English solucion explanation, dispersal of bodily humors, from Anglo-French, from Latin solution-, solutio, from solvere to loosen, solve

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing solution

• Benedict's solution
• Fehling's solution
• final solution
• Ringer's solution
• solution set

Rhymes for solution

• ablution
• aleutian
• confucian
• dilution
• elution
• locution
• pollution
• volution
• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution

Kids Definition

solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: an act or process of solving

b

: an answer to a problem : explanation

c

: solution set

2

a

: an act or the process by which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is dissolved in a liquid

b

: a liquid in which something has been dissolved

c

: the condition of being dissolved

Medical Definition

solution

noun

so·​lu·​tion sə-ˈlü-shən 

1

a

: an act or the process by which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is homogeneously mixed with a liquid or sometimes a gas or solid

called also dissolution

b

: a homogeneous mixture formed by this process

2

a

: a liquid containing a dissolved substance

an aqueous solution

b

: a liquid and usually aqueous medicinal preparation with the solid ingredients soluble

c

: the condition of being dissolved

a substance in solution