Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

formulation

British  
/ ˌfɔːmjʊˈleɪʃən /

noun

  1. the act or process of formulating

  2. any mixture or substance prepared according to a particular formula

  3. a medicinal preparation administered in a specific form, such as a tablet, linctus, ointment, or injection

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Explanation

A formulation is a mixture of ingredients prepared in a certain way and used for a specific purpose. For example, if you are sick, you may need a formulation of a combination of antibiotics. If you devise or conceptualize an idea, you can also refer to this act with the noun formulation. If you are a scientist, you may be widely recognized for your skillful formulation of a plan to eradicate a disease. If you are a parent, you may congratulate yourself for the formulation of a plan to get your kids to actually go to bed on time. Of course, the flaw may be that when you conceptualized the plan, you assumed that the kids would cooperate and not want a drink of water every five minutes.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing formulation

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Even so, the researchers said the findings provide early evidence that the risk may depend on both the formulation and dose of semaglutide drugs.

From Science Daily • May 23, 2026

California uses an even stricter formulation that few out-of-state refineries make.

From Salon • May 13, 2026

"There is, in my opinion, a non-negligible possibility that the statement could incorporate a two-sided formulation that would acknowledge that rate hikes could be appropriate if inflation remains above-target," Daco told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

“VDPHL01 is the first oral minoxidil formulation developed specifically for pattern hair loss.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

Copernicus tells us that he engaged in a systematic programme of reading as he struggled with the formulation of his new astronomy.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "formulation" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com