noun
Uncommon
dissertation
dih-suh-TAY-shuhn
Dissertation (noun) means a long, formal piece of writing on a specific subject, usually required to complete an advanced degree. Example: “She spent three years researching her doctoral dissertation.”
noun
1
A long, formal piece of writing on a specific subject, usually required to complete an advanced degree.
"She spent three years researching her doctoral dissertation."
"His dissertation examined climate policy in coastal cities."
How to use dissertation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA long research paper written to earn an academic degree.
UK vs US
In the US, "dissertation" typically refers to a doctoral (PhD) paper, while "thesis" is used for master's degrees; in the UK the terms are often used more interchangeably.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
write a dissertation
doctoral dissertation
defend a dissertation
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like dissertation.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- dissertations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She spent three years researching her doctoral _____.
Etymology
From Latin dissertatio, from dissertare, "to discuss, debate."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for dissertation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for dissertation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “dissertation” mean?
The word “dissertation” means a long, formal piece of writing on a specific subject, usually required to complete an advanced degree. In plain terms, a long research paper written to earn an academic degree.
How do you pronounce “dissertation”?
“Dissertation” is pronounced dih-suh-TAY-shuhn (/ˌdɪsɚˈteɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “dissertation” in a sentence?
Here is “dissertation” used in a sentence: “She spent three years researching her doctoral dissertation.”
What part of speech is “dissertation”?
“Dissertation” is a noun.
Where does the word “dissertation” come from?
The word “dissertation” comes from Latin. From Latin dissertatio, from dissertare, "to discuss, debate.".
Is “dissertation” a common word?
“Dissertation” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a dissertation and a thesis?
Dissertation and thesis both refer to long, formal pieces of writing on a specific subject required to complete an advanced degree, and usage varies by country. In the United States, dissertation is generally associated with doctoral degrees while thesis is used for master's degrees, but the reverse convention is common elsewhere.
What is the difference between a dissertation and an essay?
A dissertation is a long, formal, in-depth piece of writing usually required to complete an advanced degree, often based on original research. An essay is typically much shorter and can be written for many purposes, not just for completing a degree program.
Is dissertation used in formal or academic contexts only?
Yes, dissertation is a formal, academic term almost exclusively associated with higher education, referring to the substantial written work required for advanced degrees. It is rarely used outside academic or scholarly contexts.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include dissertation:
