combination

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. the secret series of numbers or letters used to open a lock.

n. a specific sequence of characters or numbers required to operate a combination lock.

“I can never remember the combination to my gym locker.”

“The safe requires a six-digit combination that is changed every month to ensure maximum security for the documents inside.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Mathematics Technical

n. a group of items chosen from a larger set where the order does not matter.

n. a selection of members from a total population where the order of selection is not a distinguishing factor.

“In this card game, the order of the cards in your hand is a combination.”

“The students were asked to calculate the number of possible combinations when choosing three representatives from a class of thirty.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. a series of quick moves or hits performed one after another.

n. a rapid succession of coordinated strikes or tactical moves in sports such as boxing or chess.

“The boxer won the match after landing a powerful three-punch combination.”

“The grandmaster executed a brilliant combination that forced his opponent to sacrifice a queen to avoid immediate checkmate.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal

n. a group of people or companies working together for a specific goal.

n. an association or alliance of individuals or entities formed for a common purpose.

“The two companies formed a powerful combination in the tech industry.”

“The political combination of several smaller parties proved strong enough to challenge the ruling government during the autumn elections.”