# Abilene

/ˈæbɪˌɫin/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abilene
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a very old city in Texas, USA. It is famous for being the place where the famous 'Abilene paradox' story happened.

For teachers: a city in central Texas, historically significant for its role in the 'Abilene paradox' of social conformity. When capitalised, it refers specifically to the city; when lowercased, it refers to the psychological phenomenon.

## Examples

- The story of Abilene is often used in psychology classes.
- Researchers often cite the Abilene paradox to explain why groups sometimes make poor decisions that no individual member actually wants.
- While the city of Abilene remains a quiet hub for local history, the term has transcended its geographical roots to become a cornerstone of modern social psychology and organizational behavior.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.