accommodation

American  

[uh-kom-uh-dey-shuhn] / əˌkɒm əˈdeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of accommodating; state or process of being accommodated; adaptation.

2. adjustment of differences; reconciliation.

3. Sociology. a process of mutual adaptation between persons or groups, usually achieved by eliminating or reducing hostility, as by compromise or arbitration.

4. anything that supplies a need, want, favor, convenience, etc.

5. Usually accommodations.

   1. lodging.

   2. food and lodging.

   3. a seat, berth, or other facilities for a passenger on a train, plane, etc.

6. readiness to aid or please others; obligingness.

7. a loan.

8. Ophthalmology. the automatic adjustment by which the eye adapts itself to distinct vision at different distances.

9. accommodation bill.

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accommodation British  

/ əˌkɒməˈdeɪʃən /

noun

1. lodging or board and lodging

2. adjustment, as of differences or to new circumstances; adaptation, settlement, or reconciliation

3. something fulfilling a need, want, etc; convenience or facility

4. physiol the automatic or voluntary adjustment of the shape of the lens of the eye for far or near vision

5. willingness to help or oblige

6. commerce a loan, usually made as an act of favour by a bank before formal credit arrangements are agreed

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accommodation Scientific  

/ ə-kŏm′ə-dā′shən /

1. The adjustment in the focal length of the lens of the eye. Accommodation permits images at different distances to be focused on the retina.

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Usage

What does accommodation mean? Accommodation is commonly used in the plural form (accommodations) to refer to lodging—a place to stay, usually temporarily, as in hotel accommodations. Sometimes, accommodations means both food and lodging, as in This resort is all-inclusive, so all of our accommodations are included in the cost. In the context of transportation, accommodations refers to one’s seat on a vehicle, such as an airplane or train, or one’s lodging on a train or ship that has rooms (cabins) for sleeping. More generally, accommodation means the act of accommodating. The verb accommodate has several meanings. To accommodate someone is to do them a favor or meet their needs or wants in some way. For example: Your constant accommodation of people doesn’t leave any time for yourself. To accommodate a request is to honor it—to do what has been asked. For example: Your accommodation of my special requests has been very kind. The adjective accommodating means eager or willing to help or please in this way. Accommodate can also mean to make or have room for, as in This bus can accommodate up to 50 passengers. Similarly, accommodate can mean to provide someone with a place to stay. For example: Unfortunately, the accommodation of that many people is not possible at this hotel. Example: What were the accommodations like at your hotel? Did your room have a nice view?

Other Word Forms

• accommodational adjective
• nonaccommodation noun
• preaccommodation noun

Etymology

Origin of accommodation

1595–1605; < Latin accommodātiōn- (stem of accommodātiō ) adjustment. See accommodate, -ion

Explanation

Accommodation is all about making room — it can mean a room or place where you will stay or an agreement about sharing something. If the only accommodation at Grandma's is the bunk bed and you and your sis decide to take turns on the top, you've made an accommodation regarding your accommodations. When you are accommodating someone, you are making room for them or special circumstances for them. For example, the student with the broken hand was granted the accommodation of having a scribe write his answers for the test. Always remember that accommodation is an accommodating word — there's room inside for two m's and two c's.

Example Sentences

Maintenance loans are paid to students in instalments to cover living costs, such as accommodation and food.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

In California, the most common category for accommodation is psychological conditions, which can include ADHD, anxiety and learning disabilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

One was an international student who had to live in a hostel for a week after being left without accommodation at the last minute.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

In 2018, she and her partner spent a year living in key worker accommodation - something she says isn't very accessible and is largely discovered through word of mouth.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

My search for accommodation did not go easily.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

• compromise
• reconciliation