English Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition position in British English

position noun

[countable] noun
/pəˈzɪʃ(ə)n/

▪ adopt, maintain, occupy, strengthen, take

1

the way that someone's body is placed

Example

I dragged myself into a sitting position.

Example

First, get yourself into a comfortable position.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

the way that an object is placed

Example

Raise the lever to the up position to get the water to flow.

Example

The motor is mounted in the upright position.

Synonyms and related words
1.2

a way of placing your body in ballet or yoga

1.3

a way that two people place their bodies when they are having sex

Synonyms and related words
Example

The position is that all new residents are assessed by a social worker.

Synonyms and related words
2.1

a situation that a particular person is in

Example

I wouldn't boast about that if I were in your position.

Example

Someone in their position can't afford to take that kind of risk.

Example

I'm not in a position to say who my sources are.

Synonyms and related words
2.2

used for talking about how much money a person or organization has

Example

What is your current financial position?

Example

A further injection of capital strengthened the company's position.

3

where something is in relation to other things

Example

Place the plant in a bright sunny position.

Example

Here is a chart showing the positions of the planets.

Synonyms and related words
3.1

in team sports, the part of the field where a particular player plays

Example

'What position do you play?' 'Centre forward.'

Synonyms and related words
4

an opinion about an important issue

Example

No one was sure of his position on any issue.

Example

Do you expect the government to take a position one way or another on this legislation?

Example

The agency takes the position that the government's specifications were deficient.

Synonyms and related words
5

a job in a company

Example

There are 12 women in management positions within the company.

Example

I'm sorry, the position has already been filled (=someone has already been chosen to do the job).

6

someone's rank or status in an organization or in society

Example

Such behaviour was clearly not acceptable for someone in a position of authority.

Example

He had seriously abused his position as a doctor by releasing patients' personal details.

Synonyms and related words
7

the place that someone or something has in a list or competition

Example

Following behind in fourth position is car number 47.

Synonyms and related words
Definition position in British English