consolidation

noun

con·​sol·​i·​da·​tion kən-ˌsä-lə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the act or process of consolidating : the state of being consolidated

2

: the process of uniting : the quality or state of being united

specifically : the unification of two or more corporations by dissolution of existing ones and creation of a single new corporation

3

: pathological alteration of lung tissue from an aerated condition to one of solid consistency

4

: the process by which a new memory is converted into a form that is stable and long-lasting

Initially fragile memories can gain stability via consolidation, but the extent to which sleep contributes to this process is unresolved …

—John D. Rudoy et al.

Synonyms

• merger
• unification
• merging

Examples of consolidation in a Sentence

the consolidation of several intelligence agencies into one super agency

Recent Examples on the Web

While the former demands fiscal consolidation from France’s leadership, the latter is opposed to spending cuts and reforms — such as raising the retirement age and reforming the pension system — that economists see as necessary to balance the books. —Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025

Add in market consolidation, shifting defense priorities and global supply chain realignments and the complexity only increases. —Heather Rosenow, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Provider consolidation into large health systems has strengthened bargaining power to set higher reimbursement rates with insurers. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025

Relying too much on manufacturers creates unacceptable risks, and the problem has been growing since the 1990s, as industry consolidation has boosted the leverage of big defense companies. —Michael R. Bloomberg, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for consolidation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

consolidation

noun

con·​sol·​i·​da·​tion kən-ˌsäl-ə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the process by which an infected lung passes from an aerated collapsible condition to one of airless solid consistency through the accumulation of exudate in the alveoli and adjoining ducts

pneumonic consolidation

also : tissue that has undergone consolidation

areas of consolidation

2

: the process by which a new memory is converted into a form that is stable and long-lasting

Initially fragile memories can gain stability via consolidation, but the extent to which sleep contributes to this process is unresolved …

—John D. Rudoy et al.