Alignment
noun
Definition
1. The arrangement of things in a straight line or proper position relative to each other.
2. The state of agreement, cooperation, or coordination between people, groups, or ideas.
3. An alliance or association with a particular group or set of principles.
2. The state of agreement, cooperation, or coordination between people, groups, or ideas.
3. An alliance or association with a particular group or set of principles.
Context Alive
The chiropractor examined the X-rays carefully, pointing to where the spine curved unnaturally to the left. She explained that the poor alignment of his vertebrae was causing the persistent back pain, and that regular adjustments over several weeks would gradually shift everything back into proper position, relieving the pressure on his nerves.
Meanings
3 meanings
1
Physical positioning in a straight line or proper arrangement — VERY COMMON
Common
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This is the concrete, physical meaning you encounter in everyday situations. When a mechanic tells you, “Your car needs a wheel alignment because hitting that pothole knocked everything out of position, which is why your steering wheel vibrates,” they’re talking about the precise positioning of parts. You’ll hear this in construction too: “Check the alignment of those tiles before the mortar dries, because even a millimeter off will be obvious once the whole floor is finished.” It’s about things being straight, level, and properly positioned in relation to each other—not crooked or askew. 📌
Vivid ExampleThe dentist showed her the before photos, explaining that the alignment of her teeth had shifted significantly over the years, with her front tooth now overlapping its neighbor and creating difficulty when she tried to floss between them.
2
Agreement or coordination between people, goals, or strategies — VERY COMMON
Common
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This is probably the meaning you’ll hear most often in business and organizational contexts. When a CEO announces, “We need better alignment between our regional offices so everyone is working toward the same quarterly targets instead of competing against each other,” they’re talking about coordination and shared direction. People use this constantly: “There’s no alignment between what the design team wants and what engineering can actually build, which is why every project gets delayed.” It’s about making sure different people, departments, or plans are harmonized and pulling in the same direction rather than working at cross-purposes. 📌
Vivid ExampleThe couple’s therapist pointed out that their constant arguments stemmed from a lack of alignment on basic values about money and family, with one partner prioritizing savings for the future while the other believed in spending on experiences now, creating tension neither had recognized before.
3
Association or alliance with a particular group or position — COMMON
Common
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This meaning describes someone’s political, ideological, or strategic positioning with a group or set of beliefs. When a news article states, “The senator’s alignment with progressive causes has grown stronger over the past year, particularly on healthcare and education reform,” they’re describing which side or faction someone associates with. You might hear “I’m careful about my public alignment on controversial issues because I don’t want to alienate half my customers by taking a strong political stance.” It’s about where you position yourself in relation to different groups, ideologies, or movements. 📌
Vivid ExampleThe small country carefully maintained its neutral stance, refusing any formal alignment with either of the military powers on its borders, knowing that choosing sides would immediately make it a target in any future conflict between the larger nations.
Examples from the Street
“There’s a real alignment between what we want and what they’re offering”
our desires match their proposal perfectly
“My car needs a wheel alignment — it keeps pulling to the left”
the wheels aren’t positioned correctly
“I’m seeking better alignment between my work and my personal values”
I want my job to match what I believe in
Common Patterns
in alignment with → in agreement or harmony with something
out of alignment → not properly positioned or not in agreement
alignment between + things → harmony connecting two or more elements
alignment of + noun → the arrangement or agreement of something
strategic/political alignment → agreement on strategy or political position
seek/achieve/ensure alignment → work toward getting things to match up
lack of alignment → absence of agreement or proper arrangement
Collocations
4 collocationsin alignment with
consistent with or matching something
strategic alignment
goals and actions pointing in the same direction
out of alignment
not properly positioned or matching
alignment of interests
shared goals between parties
Example Sentences
12 examples
1
The company is working to ensure alignment between its stated values and actual practices
The business wants what it claims to believe to match what it actually does.
2
My spine is out of alignment, which is causing my back pain
My vertebrae aren’t properly positioned, resulting in discomfort.
3
There’s strong political alignment between the two parties on economic issues
Both groups share similar positions regarding financial policies.
4
We need better alignment of our goals before starting the project
Our objectives must match more closely before we begin work.
5
Check the text alignment — the paragraphs look uneven on the page
Examine how the writing is positioned because the blocks seem crooked.
6
Her actions are in alignment with what she’s always preached
What she does matches what she’s always said she believes.
7
The lack of alignment between departments is causing delays
Teams not working in harmony is slowing everything down.
8
Researchers are focused on AI alignment to ensure technology serves human interests
Scientists work to make artificial intelligence act according to people’s values.
9
After the merger, achieving alignment across both companies took years
Getting the combined organisations to work harmoniously required a long time.
10
The strategic alignment between the partners made the collaboration successful
Both sides sharing the same approach made working together effective.
Learner Examples
★
Good curriculum design requires alignment between learning objectives and assessment methods
What students are supposed to learn must match how they’re tested.
★
I feel more motivated when there’s alignment between what I study and how I’ll actually use English
Learning feels meaningful when practice connects to real-world application.
Phrasal Verbs & Idioms
2 items Idioms & Expressionsin alignment with — in agreement or harmony with
Her actions were in alignment with her personal values.
out of alignment — not properly coordinated or matched
The marketing plan felt out of alignment with the brand's voice.
Synonyms & Antonyms
7 items
Synonymsagreement
being on the same page
harmony
things working well together
coordination
organised cooperation
consistency
matching up logically
Antonymsconflict
disagreement or clash
misalignment
things not matching
discord
lack of harmony