Engineering English
Deformation
Engineering Fundamentals · Mechanical Engineering · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: The change in shape or size of a solid body due to applied forces or temperature changes. It can be elastic (reversible) or plastic (permanent).
Example in context
“The engineer must calculate the maximum allowable deformation of the bridge girder under live load.”
“Mühendis, canlı yük altında köprü kirişinin izin verilen maksimum deformasyonunu hesaplamalıdır.”
Where engineers use it
This term is used in structural analysis when checking deflection limits. Engineers calculate deformation to ensure serviceability and safety under expected loads.
Synonyms: distortion, shape change
In Mechanical Engineering
The change in shape or size of a material element due to applied forces or temperature changes. It can be elastic or plastic depending on the material and load level.
“Permanent deformation in the mounting bracket was observed after the overload test, indicating the yield strength was exceeded locally.”
Practice: can you use “Deformation” at work?
A junior engineer is reviewing a steel beam design. The senior asks: 'What is the calculated deformation at mid-span under full service load?'
Show a model answer
“The deformation of the component must remain within the elastic range.”
“Deformation” in 21 languages
| English | Deformation |
|---|---|
| Turkish | deformasyon |
| French | déformation |
| German | Verformung |
| Spanish | deformación |
| Chinese | 变形 |
| Arabic | تشوه |
| Portuguese | deformação |
| Russian | деформация |
| Japanese | 変形 |
| Italian | deformazione |
| Vietnamese | biến dạng |
| Hindi | विकृति |
| Thai | การเสียรูป |
| Indonesian | deformasi |
| Korean | 변형 |
| Bengali | বিকৃতি |
| Dutch | vervorming |
| Swedish | deformation |
| Finnish | muodonmuutos |
| Ukrainian | деформація |
Frequently asked questions
What does Deformation mean in engineering?
The change in shape or size of a solid body due to applied forces or temperature changes. It can be elastic (reversible) or plastic (permanent). In Engineering Fundamentals, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Deformation?
Deformation is pronounced /ˌdiːfɔːˈmeɪʃən/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Deformation used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “The engineer must calculate the maximum allowable deformation of the bridge girder under live load.”
This entry is one of 7,806 terms in the Engineering English iOS app — with quizzes, spaced repetition and pronunciation checking.
Get the app on the App Store