English Reference

Word

formation

Phoneticsfor·ma·tion, stress on the second syllable

US/fɔɹˈmeɪʃən/

UK/fɔːmˈeɪʃən/

Definitions

01the act of creating

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the process of making or starting something, like a new company or a habit.

n. the act or process of assembling, creating, or developing a specific structure or entity.

“The formation of the new committee took several weeks of planning.”

“The rapid formation of ice crystals on the wings necessitated an immediate return to the hangar for de-icing procedures.”

02military/flight arrangement

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a specific pattern or shape made by a group of people, planes, or ships moving together.

n. a formal arrangement of troops, ships, or aircraft, often maintained during movement for tactical advantage.

“The fighter jets flew in a perfect V formation over the stadium.”

“The infantry maintained a tight defensive formation as they advanced across the open terrain, wary of potential ambushes.”

Usage

Often used in the phrase 'in formation'.

03rock layer

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Geology Technical

n. a particular layer of rock or a natural shape in the ground.

n. a body of rock strata that consists of a certain lithologic type or combination of types.

“The tour guide pointed out the unusual rock formations in the cave.”

“The sedimentary formation revealed distinct layers of limestone and shale, providing a clear timeline of the region's prehistoric environment.”

Synonyms

04sports strategy

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. the way players are positioned on a field for a game.

n. the tactical arrangement of players on a field or court at the start of a play or match.

“The coach decided to change the team's formation for the second half.”

“The manager opted for a more aggressive 4-3-3 formation, hoping to overwhelm the opponent's defensive line early in the match.”

Synonyms

05personal development

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Religion Formal · Academic

n. the process of training or shaping someone's character or skills.

n. the process of influencing or guiding a person toward a deeper understanding of a vocation or spiritual path.

“The school focuses on the moral formation of its students.”

“The seminary provides a rigorous program for the spiritual and intellectual formation of future clergy members.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “formation” in context.

Noun

01. formation of

“The formation of a new government took several weeks of intense negotiations.”

noun + of + noun

In Japanese

形成

けいせい keisei JLPT N1

formation; molding; making (up)

フォーメーション

fuoomeeshon

formation

成立

せいりつ seiritsu JLPT N2

formation; establishment; materialization

Japanese from JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0. All sources.

Real-World Examples

“The region also contains multiple generations of stars living side by side, offering fresh clues about how star formation unfolds over time.”
ScienceDaily 5 Jul 2026
“After a switch to a, broadly, 3-5-2 formation the team improved, radically.”
The Guardian 17 Aug 2026

Etymology

From Middle English formacioun, formation, borrowed from Old French formacion, from Latin fōrmātiō, from fōrmō (“form”, verb); see form as verb. Morphologically form + -ation.

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

Word family

NOUN

formation(B2)

ADJECTIVE

Domains

GeologyMilitarySports

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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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