English Reference
noun

incorporation

n.
US /ˌɪnˌkɔɹpɝˈeɪʃən/ UK /ɪnkˌɔːpəɹˈeɪʃən/ in·cor·po·ra·tion UK spelling incorporations

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Academic

    the act of including something so that it becomes a part of a larger whole.

    the act of integrating or combining different elements into a single body or mass.

    Simple

    The incorporation of new evidence changed the way the scientists thought about the problem.

    In context

    The seamless incorporation of traditional motifs into modern architecture requires a deep understanding of both historical context and contemporary materials.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'of'.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    the legal process of creating a new company or corporation.

    the legal process of forming a corporate entity, which grants the business a separate legal identity from its owners.

    Simple

    The founders completed the incorporation of their startup last month.

    In context

    The articles of incorporation must be filed with the state authorities before the business can legally issue shares to investors.

    Teacher's tip

    In business contexts, 'Inc.' is the standard abbreviation for 'Incorporated'.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency TechnicalAcademic Science

    when a language combines a verb and a noun into a single word.

    a morphological process where a lexical item, such as a direct object, is joined to a verb to form a single complex word.

    Simple

    Noun incorporation is a common feature in many indigenous languages.

    In context

    The researcher argued that the specific type of incorporation observed in the dialect was a result of long-term contact with neighbouring language families.

    Usage

    Used as an uncountable noun in general linguistic theory.

Usage incorporation massive · incorporation of marked · incorporation rapid

This method allows researchers to track the incorporation of supplied labeled compounds into the metabolism of the holobiont, revealing which pathways are active.

Phys.org· 21 Aug 2026

From Middle English incorporacioun, from Old French incorporacion, from Late Latin incorporatio. By surface analysis, incorporate + -ion.

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

This entry
Origin la-lat incorporatio
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated