formulation
gb/fˌɔɹmjulˈeɪʃən/ us/fˌɔɹmjulˈeɪʃən/
C1
English
~ 5800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
C1
entity
1
the exact wording of something
The exact words that someone uses to say or write something.
Usage pattern:
the formulation of [a question/statement/rule]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "formulation" with "formula". "Formulation" is usually about how something is expressed in words (or how it is developed), while "formula" is a fixed set of symbols or a set method. Also, learners may say "formulation for a question"; the more natural preposition is "formulation of a question".
Synonyms
wording (More common and less formal; often used in everyday speech instead of "formulation".)
|
phrasing (Focuses slightly more on style and tone, especially in spoken language.)
|
expression (Broader term; not limited to the exact set of words but how an idea is shown in general.)
Antonyms
silence (Contrasts with the idea of putting something into words at all.)
Collocations
exact formulation
|careful formulation
|question formulation
|sentence formulation
|mathematical formulation
|a better formulation
Themes
language
|education
|business
|communication
Examples
- Some people found the formulation of the slogan insensitive.
- The lawyer spent hours refining the formulation of the contract clause.
- Her careful formulation of the question avoided offending anyone.
- Researchers debated the proper formulation of the survey items.
- A slight change in the formulation of the rule can affect how it is interpreted.
Learner examples
- The teacher did not like the formulation of my answer.
- We need a clear formulation of the main idea.
- He checked the formulation of the sentence many times.
- This formulation of the question is confusing for students.
- Please suggest a more polite formulation of this email.
Noun
formal
C1
action
2
process of developing plans or ideas
The careful work of making a plan, rule, or idea in a clear and complete way.
Usage pattern:
the formulation of [a policy/plan/theory/strategy]
Common mistake:
Learners may use "do" instead of "be involved in" or "take part in" (e.g., "I did the formulation of the plan"). A more natural phrasing is "I took part in the formulation of the plan" or "I helped with the formulation of the plan." Another confusion is with "formation"; "formation" is about something coming into existence or being shaped, while "formulation" is about the deliberate planning or structuring of it.
Synonyms
development (More general; can refer to many kinds of growth or creation, not only structured planning.)
|
drafting (Stresses writing the first versions of documents; a bit more concrete than "formulation".)
|
design (Emphasizes planning structure and function, often for systems or products.)
Antonyms
abandonment (Refers to giving up or stopping work on a plan, which contrasts with creating it.)
Collocations
policy formulation
|strategy formulation
|formulation process
|formulation stage
|the formulation of a plan
|the formulation of a theory
Themes
business
|politics
|science
|academia
|work
Examples
- The formulation of the new education policy took more than a year.
- Stakeholders were invited to participate in the formulation of the company’s long-term strategy.
- Scientific rigor is essential in the formulation of any new theory.
- Public consultation played a key role in the formulation of the climate action plan.
- The report describes the formulation of guidelines for remote work.
Learner examples
- Many people helped in the formulation of the new school rules.
- Experts met to discuss the formulation of a health plan.
- The formulation of this research question was very difficult.
- Students joined the formulation of a plan to cut waste.
- Good data is important for the formulation of policy.
Noun
technical
C1
entity
3
specific mixture of ingredients
A special recipe or mixture of chemicals, medicine, or other substances, with exact amounts of each part.
Usage pattern:
a [new/liquid/oral] formulation of [a drug/product]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "formula" when they mean the physical product. In technical or marketing English, "formula" can appear on labels, but "formulation" is often used in scientific and pharmaceutical contexts to stress the exact mixture used in a product. Also, some learners say "formulation of medicine" when they mean a particular version, where "a new formulation of the medicine" is more natural.
Synonyms
composition (More general; refers to what something is made of, not always in a controlled product sense.)
|
recipe (Informal in this context; suggests a set of ingredients and steps, but not used in strict technical writing.)
|
preparation (Common in pharmacy; can mean both the product and the process of making it.)
Collocations
drug formulation
|new formulation
|pharmaceutical formulation
|liquid formulation
|oral formulation
|improved formulation
Themes
science
|medicine
|technology
|health
Examples
- The company released a new formulation of the painkiller that works faster.
- This sunscreen uses a lightweight formulation that does not feel greasy.
- Researchers are testing a liquid formulation of the vaccine for children.
- The cream’s unique formulation helps the active ingredient absorb quickly.
- Changing the formulation of the pesticide reduced its impact on bees.
Learner examples
- The doctor gave me a new formulation of the medicine.
- This shampoo has a gentle formulation for sensitive skin.
- Scientists are working on a safer formulation of the product.
- The tablet and the syrup have different formulations of the same drug.
- This cream uses a special formulation to keep your skin soft.
Grammar
Dictionary form
formulation
IPA
GB/fˌɔɹmjulˈeɪʃən/
US/fˌɔɹmjulˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
for - mu - la - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (la)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: formulation
- Plural: formulation, formulations
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.