noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

reinforcement

ree-ihn-FAWS-muhnt

Reinforcement (noun) means the act of making something stronger, or the material used to strengthen it. Example: “The engineers added reinforcement to the aging dam.”

noun

The act of making something stronger, or the material used to strengthen it.

"The engineers added reinforcement to the aging dam."

Additional troops or supplies sent to support a military effort.

"Reinforcements arrived just before dawn."

In psychology, a reward or consequence that makes a behaviour more likely to repeat.

"Positive reinforcement, like treats, is used to train dogs."

How to Use Reinforcement

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething added to make a thing stronger, or extra support (troops, rewards) that keeps something going.

Common pairings

send reinforcements positive reinforcement structural reinforcement

Word Forms

reinforcements plural

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The engineers added _____ to the aging dam.

Rhymes for reinforcement

cement element clement pavement tenement amusement statement agreement excrement amazement atonement implement

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “reinforcement” mean?

The word “reinforcement” means the act of making something stronger, or the material used to strengthen it. In plain terms, something added to make a thing stronger, or extra support (troops, rewards) that keeps something going.

How do you pronounce “reinforcement”?

“Reinforcement” is pronounced ree-ihn-FAWS-muhnt (/ˌɹiɪnˈfɔɹsmənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “reinforcement” in a sentence?

Here is “reinforcement” used in a sentence: “The engineers added reinforcement to the aging dam.”

What part of speech is “reinforcement”?

“Reinforcement” is a noun.

Is “reinforcement” a common word?

“Reinforcement” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “reinforcement” have?

“Reinforcement” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of making something stronger, or the material used to strengthen it.