formation
gb/fɔɹmˈeɪʃən/ us/fɔɹmˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 2100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
process of creation or arrangement
The act of making or putting things into a certain shape or group.
Usage pattern:
the formation of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'formation' with 'form'. 'Form' can mean the shape itself, while 'formation' refers to the process or result of creating that shape or structure.
Synonyms
creation (Emphasizes bringing something into existence, not necessarily its arrangement.)
|
development (Focuses more on gradual growth or progress rather than initial structuring.)
Antonyms
destruction (The act of breaking down or ending something that has been formed.)
|
disorganization (The state of lacking order or arrangement.)
Collocations
formation of a team
|formation of ideas
|rock formation
|cloud formation
|military formation
Themes
general
|organization
|development
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The formation of the new government took several weeks.
- We watched the formation of storm clouds over the mountains.
- The company announced the formation of a new research division.
- Geologists studied the unusual rock formation along the coast.
Learner examples
- The formation of the club happened last year.
- We saw the formation of big clouds.
- There was a rock formation near the river.
- The teacher explained the formation of the team.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
2
natural geological structure
A layer or shape of rock found in nature.
Synonyms
structure (General term for an arrangement; less specific to geology.)
Collocations
limestone formation
|sandstone formation
|mountain formation
Themes
science
|geography
|nature
Examples
- The Grand Canyon reveals many different rock formations.
- Scientists are studying the formation's mineral content.
- This limestone formation dates back millions of years.
Learner examples
- We saw a strange rock formation in the desert.
- This mountain is part of an old formation.
- The cave was inside a big rock formation.
Noun
B1
entity
3
organized group arrangement
A group arranged in a planned way, often for marching, flying, or playing sports.
Synonyms
arrangement (General term for positioning; less formal and not necessarily organized for action.)
|
alignment (Emphasizes straightness or order rather than group movement.)
Antonyms
disarray (Lack of order or organization.)
Collocations
fly in formation
|marching formation
|battle formation
Themes
military
|sports
|transportation
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The jets flew in tight formation over the city.
- The soldiers stood in formation for inspection.
- The football team took its offensive formation.
Learner examples
- The planes flew in formation.
- The players stood in their game formation.
- The soldiers walked in formation.
Grammar
Dictionary form
formation
IPA
GB/fɔɹmˈeɪʃən/
US/fɔɹmˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
form - a - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: formation
- Plural: formation, formations
Word family
Expressions
fly in formation
1/flˈaɪ ˈɪn fɔɹmˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
fly together in an organized pattern
To fly in a set pattern with other aircraft or birds.
Examples
- The fighter jets flew in formation during the parade.
- Birds often fly in formation to save energy.
in formation
1/ˈɪn fɔɹmˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
arranged in an ordered group
In a planned and organized line or shape, especially when moving.
Examples
- The geese flew south in formation.
- Troops marched down the street in formation.