English Reference

Word

convergence

Phoneticscon·ver·gence, stress on the second syllable

US/kənˈvɝdʒəns/

UK/kənvˈɜːdʒəns/

Definitions

01coming together

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic

n. the act of different things moving toward each other to meet at one point.

n. the act of moving toward union or a common point of intersection.

“The convergence of the two rivers created a powerful current.”

“The geographic convergence of these three trade routes turned the small village into a bustling commercial hub within a decade.”

02technology/media

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Computing Technical

n. when different types of technology, like phones and cameras, join together into one device.

n. the merging of distinct technologies, industries, or devices into a unified whole or platform.

“Smartphones are a great example of the convergence of cameras, phones, and computers.”

“Digital convergence has fundamentally altered the media landscape, blurring the lines between traditional broadcasting and internet-based streaming services.”

03biology

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science Technical

n. when different animals develop similar features because they live in similar environments.

n. the independent evolution of similar structures or traits in unrelated species due to similar environmental pressures.

“The wings of bats and birds are a result of evolutionary convergence.”

“Biologists cite the streamlined bodies of sharks and dolphins as a classic instance of convergence in aquatic environments.”

Synonyms

convergent evolution

04mathematics

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Mathematics Technical

n. when a sequence of numbers gets closer and closer to a specific value.

n. the property of an infinite series or sequence approaching a definite limiting value.

“The teacher explained the convergence of the series as the numbers got smaller.”

“The mathematician spent months proving the convergence of the algorithm under specific boundary conditions.”

Antonyms

05economics

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Academic

n. the idea that poorer countries' economies will eventually catch up to richer ones.

n. the hypothesis that per capita incomes in poorer economies tend to grow at faster rates than in richer economies.

“Economic convergence suggests that developing nations will eventually reach the same living standards as wealthy ones.”

“The report analyzed whether regional convergence was actually occurring within the European Union or if the wealth gap was widening.”

Synonyms

catch-up effect

06vision

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Medicine Technical

n. the way your eyes move together to look at something close to you.

n. the coordinated inward turning of the eyes to focus on a nearby object.

“Reading for a long time can cause eye strain because of constant convergence.”

“The optometrist performed a series of tests to evaluate the patient's near-point convergence and binocular coordination.”

Real-World Examples

“The story of sardines feeding Japan’s war machine illustrates the convergence of technology, environment and imperialism.”
The Conversation 14 Aug 2026
“Two years ago, a convergence of climatic events pushed the price of both beans to multi-decade highs.”
BBC News 28 May 2026

Etymology

From converge + -ence (after Latin convergentia).

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

Word family

NOUN

convergence(C1)

Domains

BiologyEconomicsMathematics

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference