# consolidate

/kənˈsɑɫɪˌdeɪt/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. to combine into one

verb · CEFR B2

to join two or more things together to make one single, stronger unit.

For teachers: to combine multiple items, departments, or entities into a single, more efficient whole.

- The company decided to consolidate its three offices into one large building downtown.
- The administration plans to consolidate several smaller departments to reduce overhead costs and streamline the decision-making process.

### 2. to make stronger

verb · CEFR B2

to make your power, position, or success more solid and likely to continue.

For teachers: to strengthen or solidify a position, power, or success to ensure it remains stable.

- The team's latest win helped them consolidate their lead in the league.
- After the merger, the new CEO moved quickly to consolidate her power by appointing loyal allies to the board of directors.

### 3. finance

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to combine several different debts into one single loan, often with a lower interest rate.

For teachers: to combine multiple financial debts into a single loan, typically to achieve a more manageable repayment structure.

- He took out a new loan to consolidate his credit card debts into one monthly payment.
- Financial advisors often suggest that graduates consolidate their student loans to benefit from a fixed interest rate and simplified billing.

## Examples

- The company plans to consolidate its offices into one building.
- By paying off several high-interest credit cards with a single loan, she was able to consolidate her debt.
- The new CEO sought to consolidate her power by restructuring the executive board and centralizing the decision-making process within her inner circle.

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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.