Word
deformation
Phoneticsde·for·ma·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌdifɔɹˈmeɪʃən/
UK/dɪfɔːmˈeɪʃən/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a change in the shape or size of an object because of pressure, heat, or weight.
n. the alteration of an object's original shape or size due to an applied force or a change in temperature. Often used in engineering and physics to describe structural failure or material stress.
Examples
“The heavy weight caused a permanent deformation in the metal bar.”
“Engineers must calculate the expected deformation of the bridge cables under the weight of heavy traffic.”
“Geologists study the crustal deformation that occurs along fault lines to better understand the seismic forces that lead to major earthquakes.”
Examples
simple
“The heavy weight caused a permanent deformation in the metal bar.”
contextual
“Engineers must calculate the expected deformation of the bridge cables under the weight of heavy traffic.”
complex
“Geologists study the crustal deformation that occurs along fault lines to better understand the seismic forces that lead to major earthquakes.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the general process; countable when referring to a specific instance of a distorted shape.
Real-World Examples
“In 1855, engineers coined the word “ stress ,” from the word “distress,” to describe a beam pulled, pushed or twisted from multiple directions until the strain shows as a deformation.” “In a brittle glass, deformation remains suppressed until the stress reaches a large yield value.” “Their nanoscale design produced a yield strength about six to 10 times greater than high-strength structural steel while sustaining substantial deformation at room temperature.” “Damage and deformation on the artifact suggest that the bone was still relatively fresh when it was shaped and used.” Etymology
From Old French deformation, see deform. Morphologically deform + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/deformation