membership
gb/mˈɛmbɚʃˌɪp/ us/mˈɛmbɚʃˌɪp/
A2
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
state
1
Being part of a group
When you belong to a group or club.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s membership in [organization/group]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'membership' with 'member.' 'Member' is the person; 'membership' is the state or status of being a member.
Synonyms
belonging (Refers more generally to the feeling or fact of being part of a group, not limited to formal organizations.)
Antonyms
nonmembership (Specifically describes the state of not belonging to a group or organization.)
Collocations
active membership
|full membership
|lifetime membership
|club membership
|membership fee
Themes
society
|business
|daily life
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her membership in the tennis club expires next month.
- The gym offers monthly and annual memberships.
- He lost his membership after failing to pay the annual fee.
- Membership in the association gives you access to exclusive events.
Learner examples
- I have a library membership.
- She got a gym membership.
- He paid for his club membership.
- My membership starts today.
Noun
B1
quantity
2
Number of members in a group
All the people who belong to a group or club.
Usage pattern:
the membership of [organization/group]
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'membership' in this sense with 'members,' but 'membership' here is used as an uncountable noun referring to the whole group collectively.
Synonyms
enrollment (Often used in educational contexts, but can also mean the total people registered in an organization.)
Antonyms
vacancy (Refers to available places rather than people already included, but contrasts with having members.)
Collocations
growing membership
|declining membership
|diverse membership
Themes
society
|business
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The union's membership has grown steadily over the past year.
- Our club's membership includes people from all over the city.
- The political party boasts a diverse membership.
Learner examples
- The school has a large membership.
- The team has a small membership.
- Our club's membership is growing.
Grammar
Dictionary form
membership
IPA
GB/mˈɛmbɚʃˌɪp/
US/mˈɛmbɚʃˌɪp/
Syllables & stress
mem - ber - ship (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (mem)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: membership
- Plural: membership, memberships
Word family
Expressions
membership card
1/mˈɛmbɚʃˌɪp kˈɑɹd/
fixed phrase
Card showing you belong to a group
A card that shows you are part of a club, gym, or other group.
Examples
- Please show your membership card at the entrance.
- She lost her library membership card.
membership fee
1/mˈɛmbɚʃˌɪp fˈi/
fixed phrase
Payment for joining a group
Money you pay to be part of a club, gym, or other group.
Examples
- The annual membership fee is due next week.
- They increased the membership fee this year.