# consolidation

/kənˌsɑɫəˈdeɪʃən/ (US) · /kənsˌɒlɪdˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/consolidation
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. combining things

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

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

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

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

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- After winning the election, the leader focused on the consolidation of his power.
- The general's primary objective was the consolidation of the newly captured territory before the enemy could mount a counter-offensive.

### 3. lung solidification

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

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

## Examples

- The doctor noticed signs of consolidation in the patient's left lung.
- After the physical exam, the physician ordered imaging to confirm if the consolidation was caused by pneumonia.
- Clinical signs of pulmonary consolidation include increased vocal fremitus and dullness to percussion, indicating that the air-filled spaces have been replaced by denser inflammatory material.

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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.