English Reference

Word

aligned

US/əˈɫaɪnd/

UK/ɐlˈaɪnd/

Definitions

01physically in a line

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. placed or arranged in a straight line or in the correct position relative to something else.

adj. arranged in a straight line or in correct relative positions. Often used with the preposition 'with'.

“Make sure the edges of the two boards are perfectly aligned before you glue them.”

“The technician ensured the laser was precisely aligned with the sensor to prevent any data loss during the experiment.”

Antonyms

crookedskewedmisaligned

02sharing goals

B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic

adj. agreeing with or supporting the same ideas, plans, or goals as someone else.

adj. allied or in agreement with a particular group, ideology, or set of objectives. Frequently appears in business and political contexts.

“The marketing team and the sales team need to be aligned on the new strategy.”

“The company's long-term sustainability goals are closely aligned with international environmental standards.”

Real-World Examples

“Uefa and Concacaf have been working together for some time, but have become even more closely aligned since the World Cup sell-off plan emerged last month.”
The Guardian 21 Aug 2026
“At roughly 19:30 BST (20:30 local time), the Sun, Moon and Earth were perfectly aligned - a total eclipse.”
BBC News 12 Aug 2026

Idioms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/aligned

English Reference