English Reference
noun

concentration

n.
US /ˌkɑnsənˈtɹeɪʃən/ UK /kˌɒnsəntɹˈeɪʃən/ con·cen·tra·tion UK spelling concentrations

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Academic

    a large number of people or things brought together in one area.

    a high density or clustering of items or people within a specific geographic or physical space.

    Simple

    There is a heavy concentration of tech companies in this part of the city.

    In context

    The high concentration of industry along the riverbanks has led to significant environmental challenges for the local government.

    Usage

    Frequently used in urban planning and sociology contexts.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced American EnglishAcademic

    a specific subject that a student chooses to focus on during their degree.

    a specific area of emphasis within a broader academic major or field of study.

    Simple

    She is a history major with a concentration in Latin American studies.

    In context

    The university offers a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in sustainable finance and corporate social responsibility.

    Teacher's tip

    This is primarily used in the US higher education system; British universities usually prefer 'specialism' or 'pathway'.

Bakau is home to one of the largest concentrations of Kanyeleng with about 10 groups, but the tradition extends across The Gambia’s seven regions.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026

Unfortunately, they come late .” The concentration of healthcare capacity in the city thus transforms distance into a factor in mortality.

UN News· 10 Aug 2026

From New Latin concentrātiō (“(1550) action or an act of coming together at a single place; (1659) extraction or separation of one or more of the metals present in an alloy”). Compare French concentration, Spanish concentración, Italian concentrazione (last quarter of 16th century). Equivalent to concentrate + -ion. By surface analysis, con- + centre + -ate + -ion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin la-new concentrātiō
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated