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

Example Sentences

“Together,” Davis said, “they will guide football decisions with a shared focus on leadership, culture, and alignment with the organization’s long-term vision and goals.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The deglobalization trend has five main threads, according to Strategas: trade relations and supply chains, natural resources and the security thereof, defense spending and rearmament, technology alignment and IP sharing and populism.

From MarketWatch

Elliott sees an alignment between the sale, which was held to satisfy some of Venezuela’s creditors, and the White House’s articulated goals of getting U.S. companies repaid for Venezuela’s previous asset seizures.

From The Wall Street Journal

Together, they will guide football decisions with a shared focus on leadership, culture, and alignment with the organization’s long-term vision and goals.”

From Los Angeles Times

"We are better looking to the single market rather than the customs union for our further alignment," Sir Keir said.

From BBC

Related Words

• adjustment