adoption
gb/ədˈɑpʃən/ us/ədˈɑpʃən/
B1
English
~ 4100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
Legal process of becoming a parent
The legal act of becoming the parent of a child who is not yours by birth.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s adoption by [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'adoption' with 'adaptation', but 'adaptation' means change or adjustment, not taking in a child.
Synonyms
fostering (Temporary care of a child, not a permanent legal relationship like adoption.)
Antonyms
biological parenthood (Being a parent to a child by birth rather than through legal adoption.)
Collocations
child adoption
|international adoption
|adoption process
|adoption agency
|adoption papers
Themes
family
|law
|society
|relationships
Examples
- After years of waiting, they finally completed the adoption of their daughter.
- The adoption process can take several months or even years.
- She was grateful for the love and care she received after her adoption.
Learner examples
- The couple started the adoption last year.
- Adoption can be a long process.
- They are happy about the adoption of a baby boy.
Noun
B2
action
2
Starting to use something new
The act of starting to use a new idea, plan, or product.
Usage pattern:
the adoption of [something]
Common mistake:
Some learners may confuse this meaning with legal child adoption; context usually clarifies which meaning is intended.
Synonyms
implementation (Focuses on putting an idea into action rather than the acceptance itself.)
Antonyms
rejection (Refusal to accept or start using something.)
Collocations
adoption rate
|technology adoption
|policy adoption
|adoption by users
Themes
business
|technology
|politics
|core_vocabulary
|work
Examples
- The rapid adoption of smartphones has changed communication.
- The committee voted for the adoption of the new rules.
- Adoption of renewable energy is increasing worldwide.
Learner examples
- The company saw fast adoption of its app.
- Adoption of solar power is growing.
- The city supports the adoption of clean buses.
Noun
B2
action
3
Formal acceptance of something
The official approval of a plan, law, or idea.
Usage pattern:
adoption of [a law/proposal]
Synonyms
ratification (Formal confirmation or approval, especially in legal or political contexts.)
Antonyms
veto (An official refusal to accept or approve something.)
Collocations
adoption of legislation
|adoption by parliament
|final adoption
Themes
politics
|law
Examples
- The treaty's adoption was celebrated by environmental groups.
- Adoption of the budget is expected next week.
- The adoption of the constitution marked a new era.
Learner examples
- The council announced the adoption of new rules.
- Adoption of the treaty happened in 2010.
- They discussed the adoption of the plan.
Grammar
Dictionary form
adoption
IPA
GB/ədˈɑpʃən/
US/ədˈɑpʃən/
Syllables & stress
ad - op - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (op)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: adoption
- Plural: adoptions
Word family
Forms
adoptions
noun
Core family
adopt
verb B1
adoptive
adjective
Related words
adopter
noun
adoptee
noun
adoptable
adjective
Expressions
available for adoption
1/əvˈeɪləbəl fɚ ədˈɑpʃən/
fixed phrase
Ready to be adopted
Ready and able to be taken into someone's care legally as a child or pet.
Examples
- Several dogs are available for adoption at the shelter.
- These children are available for adoption through the agency.
put up for adoption
1/pˈʊt ˈʌp fɚ ədˈɑpʃən/
fixed phrase
Make a child available for adoption
To officially arrange for someone else to become the parent of your child.
Examples
- She decided to put her baby up for adoption.
- The kitten was rescued and put up for adoption.