alignment

Also a·line·ment

[uh-lahyn-muhnt]

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.

alignment

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of alignment¹

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

Example Sentences

“I credit all of my coaches. Our defensive alignment allows the kids to play fast and physical and we were battle-tested despite some tough losses early in the year.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

To do so, boards need to ensure that executives allocate resources—both capital and labor—in alignment with long-term strategies while remaining sufficiently responsive to short-term issues.

Read more on Barron's

There is no explanation on precisely why this decision has been reached, beyond vague references to alignment and Cavenagh made a point of saying that he would not throw dirt in their direction.

Read more on BBC

It was our best period of musical alignment and I think you can hear that.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

An internal survey of 70 institutional private-equity investment heads identified the growth of the retail channel as the No. 1 problem for alignment between investors and fund managers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• adjustment