# entanglement

/ɛnˈtæŋɡəɫmənt/ (US) · /ɛntˈæŋɡəlmənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/entanglement
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a situation where you are caught in something complicated and it is hard to get out of. It can also mean physical objects that are twisted together or stuck.

For teachers: a state of being caught in a complex or difficult situation; also refers to physical objects that are twisted or knotted together. Often used in legal, political, or scientific contexts to describe a complex web of relationships or physical structures.

## Examples

- The ship's propeller became entangled in a fishing net.
- The country's deep economic entanglement with its former enemy made a quick withdrawal difficult.
- Quantum entanglement describes a phenomenon where particles become so deeply linked that the state of one instantly influences the state of another, regardless of the distance between them.

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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.