English Reference
noun

consolidation

n.
US /kənˌsɑɫəˈdeɪʃən/ UK /kənsˌɒlɪdˈeɪʃən/ con·sol·i·da·tion UK spelling consolidations

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    the act of joining several things together to make them stronger or simpler.

    the process of uniting or merging multiple elements into a single, more efficient, or more powerful entity.

    Simple

    The consolidation of the two smaller departments saved the company a lot of money.

    In context

    The industry underwent a period of rapid consolidation, with three major players acquiring nearly all of their smaller competitors within a single fiscal year.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    making a position, power, or success more solid and certain.

    the action of strengthening or making more secure a recently won position or power.

    Simple

    After winning the election, the leader focused on the consolidation of his power.

    In context

    The general's primary objective was the consolidation of the newly captured territory before the enemy could mount a counter-offensive.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    a condition where part of the lung becomes solid instead of being filled with air.

    the solidification of a normally aerated lung into a firm, dense mass, typically due to the accumulation of fluid or inflammatory exudate.

    Simple

    The doctor looked at the X-ray and found signs of consolidation in the left lung.

    In context

    The chest radiograph revealed significant lobar consolidation, confirming the clinical suspicion of bacterial pneumonia in the lower right lobe.

    Usage

    Often used in the context of pneumonia or pulmonary oedema.

    solidificationinduration

This transition coincided with major historical developments, including the consolidation of the Tokugawa shogunate, the Qing maritime trade ban and the expansion of domestic production networks.

Phys.org· 20 Aug 2026

Both those sectors have seen significant consolidation and investment over the past decade.

BBC News· 20 Aug 2026

From Latin cōnsolidātiō, cōnsolidātiōnem, from cōnsolidō.

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

This entry
Origin Latin consolidatio
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated