English Reference
verb · adjective

positioned

v. · adj.
US /pəˈzɪʃənd/ UK /pəzˈɪʃənd/ po·si·tioned

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.to put something or someone in a specific spot.

    v.to place or arrange something in a particular physical location. Transitive — requires an object.

    Simple

    The guards were positioned at every entrance to the building.

    In context

    The technicians positioned the telescope on the highest ridge to ensure the lens remained unobstructed by the surrounding forest canopy.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice to describe where something is located.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    v.to put yourself or a company in a good situation to succeed.

    v.to arrange or promote something so that it has a particular advantage or reputation. Often used reflexively or in the passive voice.

    Simple

    The company positioned itself as a leader in green energy.

    In context

    By investing heavily in research and development, the firm positioned itself to dominate the emerging market for sustainable aviation fuels.

    Usage

    Commonly used with 'itself' or 'themselves' followed by 'as'.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.being in a specific place or situation.

    adj.occupying a particular place or having a specific status. Usually used after a linking verb.

    Simple

    The house is perfectly positioned to get the afternoon sun.

    In context

    The retail unit is ideally positioned within the shopping centre, benefiting from the high footfall generated by the nearby anchor stores.

But experts say ships positioned in the Gulf have already been there for too long without a break.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026

They were positioned 120m (394ft) apart and estimated to be between 2m and 4m high.

BBC News· 17 Jun 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated