B2noun2K

Expansion

UK /["/ɪkˈspænʃn/"]/US /["/ɪkˈspænʃn/"]/

Definition

an act of increasing or making something increase in size, amount or importance

In simple words: The act of increasing or growing in size, number, or importance.

Examples

  • The expansion of the company into international markets increased its revenue significantly.
  • The expansion of the universe is a fundamental concept in cosmology.
  • The expansion of the balloon was caused by the increase in temperature.
  • Economic expansion often leads to the creation of new jobs across different sectors.
  • The expansion of the railway network helped improve connectivity between remote areas.
  • The expansion of the metal as it heated was clearly visible to the observers.
  • The military expansion of the country raised concerns among its neighbors.

Usage notes

Commonly used in business, science, and daily conversations. Avoid in overly casual contexts. Works well when discussing growth in areas like markets, territories, or ideas.

Grammar pattern

expansion + of + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'expand' as stretching a balloon wider.

Collocations

  • big
  • considerable
  • enormous
  • show
  • experience
  • undergo
  • occur
  • take place
  • plan
  • programme/​program
  • expansion into
  • expansion in
  • expansion to
  • a period of expansion
  • the rate of expansion
  • potential, room, scope, etc. for expansion

Synonyms

  • growth
  • increase
  • enlargement
  • extension
  • broadening

Antonyms

  • contraction
  • reduction

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'extension' which refers to lengthening rather than increasing in size.
  • Using 'expansion' incorrectly as a verb instead of a noun.
  • Overusing in casual contexts where simpler words like 'growth' might be more appropriate.