alignment

American  

[uh-lahyn-muhnt] / əˈlaɪn mənt /

Also alinement

noun

1. an adjustment to a line; arrangement in a straight line.

2. the line or lines so formed.

3. the proper adjustment of the components of an electronic circuit, machine, etc., for coordinated functioning.

   The front wheels of the car are out of alignment.

4. a state of agreement or cooperation among persons, groups, nations, etc., with a common cause or viewpoint.

5. a ground plan of a railroad or highway.

6. Archaeology. a line or an arrangement of parallel or converging lines of upright stones or menhirs.

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alignment British  

/ əˈlaɪnmənt /

noun

1. arrangement in a straight line

2. the line or lines formed in this manner

3. alliance or union with a party, cause, etc

4. proper or desirable coordination or relation of components

5. a ground plan of a railway, motor road, etc

6. archaeol an arrangement of one or more ancient rows of standing stones, of uncertain significance

7. psychol integration or harmonization of aims, practices, etc within a group

8. psychol identification with or matching of the behaviour, thoughts, etc of another person

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Other Word Forms

• nonalinement noun
• realignment noun
• self-alignment noun
• self-alinement noun

Etymology

Origin of alignment

First recorded in 1780–90; align + -ment; replacing earlier alignement, from French

Explanation

The noun alignment refers to the correct positioning of something. If you check the alignment of your feet when running, you're checking to make sure they're not pointing to either side, but going straight ahead. Alignment has to do with adjusting something so it's in the right place. If you take your car in for a wheel alignment, the mechanic will make sure the wheels are on straight. Alignment can also mean following directions or being in agreement. Your school has to act in alignment with state education rules. If you and your brother both believe that poodles should be banned in your town, then you are in alignment on the issue of poodles.

Example Sentences

“Medical operators may benefit from clearer federal alignment, while nonmedical businesses remain subject to existing Schedule I treatment and its associated constraints,” Stettner said in a statement.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

At the City Council hearing this month, Mayor John Heilman said the city lacks authority when its zoning laws are not in alignment with California state laws, Beverly Press & Park La Brea News reported.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

"Climate change is moving the wind out of alignment with the runways, and thus reducing the useful headwind," he adds.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

It gives model providers the duties of training and alignment while reserving for security vendors governance and runtime protection.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Shrimpzilla must have knocked them out of alignment, and the monster was in spitting distance, which meant that Leo couldn’t use the ballistae without setting the Argo II on fire as well.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• adjustment