deformation
noun
de·for·ma·tion
ˌdē-ˌfȯr-ˈmā-shən 
ˌde-fər-
ˌde-fər-
1
: alteration of form or shape
also
: the product of such alteration
3
: change for the worse
Examples of deformation in a Sentence
the catastrophic deformation of the steel girders under the enormous weight of the bridge
Recent Examples on the Web
The study showed how ground deformation varied across the cities—for example, the area around LaGuardia Airport is sinking much faster than most of the rest of New York City.
—
Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 8 May 2025
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to track seismic activity, gas emissions, and ground deformation to assess any potential changes in behavior.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
In the northern Sierra, there are currently no signs of deformation.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
Because of the slope’s slow-moving collapse, scientists can study the landslide’s historical rates of deformation and see how those changes relate to the retreat of the Barry Arm glacier.
—Darren Orf, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deformation
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Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 8 May 2025
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to track seismic activity, gas emissions, and ground deformation to assess any potential changes in behavior.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
In the northern Sierra, there are currently no signs of deformation.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
Because of the slope’s slow-moving collapse, scientists can study the landslide’s historical rates of deformation and see how those changes relate to the retreat of the Barry Arm glacier.
—Darren Orf, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deformation
Cite this Entry
“Deformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deformation. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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