embarkation

USAGE SUMMARY

"embarkation" is a correct and usable word in written English.
To "embark" means to start a journey or task, so "embarkation" would refer to the act or process of doing this. You can use the word to describe either the physical process of a journey beginning (such as embarkation onto a ship) or the metaphorical process of beginning a task or undertaking (such as the embarkation of a new business venture). For example, "The launch of the new product caused much excitement among the employees, who saw it as the embarkation of a new chapter for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such is the squash above passengers' heads that sometimes those at the back of the embarkation queue are forced to stow their hand luggage in the hold anyway.

The Economist

This will be a far cry from Western Australia's role as the embarkation point for the first troops who sailed to war in Gallipoli a century ago.Robert Milliken: Australia correspondent, The Economist.

The Economist

There are around 30 ports of embarkation in America alone.The industry's bosses hope to attract even more customers in the next few years.

The Economist

Scott Morrison, the immigration minister, says no boats carrying asylum-seekers have reached Australia for more than eight weeks, claiming victory over people smugglers in Indonesia, their main embarkation point.

The Economist

The boats will be seized and destroyed, with passengers sent back to their point of embarkation.

The Economist

About 30 million cards are printed every year and made available by the carriers to their passengers through a distribution structure focused on their overseas embarkation locations and UK entry points.

The Economist

Indonesia is also angry over naval incursions into Indonesian waters in fulfilment of Mr Abbott's campaign promise to turn asylum-seekers packed in boats back to Indonesia, their main embarkation point.Indonesia is Australia's biggest aid recipient.

The Economist

The boats will then be confiscated and destroyed, with their passengers returned to their point of embarkation.

The Economist

If elected as prime minister, he pledges to turn boats back to Indonesia, their main embarkation point.In this section Redemption The PNG solution Fears of a new religious strife Folie de grandeur ReprintsOn July 16th Mr Rudd declared that the government would "terminate" the carbon tax next year and switch to a floating-price emissions-trading scheme, a year earlier than first planned.

The Economist

Unfortunately, the method of administration was inadequately controlled, and the government sanctioned inoculations only for soldiers that "voluntarily presented themselves for this purpose prior to their embarkation for the seat of war".

Encyclopedia Britannica

It has been an important transportation route since the 16th century, when the Holy Roman emperor Charles V designated Vlissingen (on Walcheren) as his port of embarkation from the Netherlands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider more common alternatives like "boarding" or "start" in less formal writing to improve readability.

Common error

Avoid using "embarkation" when simpler words like "start" or "beginning" would suffice, especially in informal contexts. Overusing formal vocabulary can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The word "embarkation" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the act or process of boarding a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle, or metaphorically, the commencement of a new venture or undertaking. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

31%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "embarkation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that signifies the act of boarding a mode of transport or commencing an important undertaking. As validated by Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in news, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts, lending a formal tone to descriptions of beginnings. While useful, consider more accessible alternatives like "boarding" or "start" in less formal settings. The term is well-defined and authoritatively sourced, making it a reliable choice for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boarding process

Focuses specifically on the act of getting onto a vehicle, typically a ship or aircraft.

commencement of a voyage

Highlights the beginning of a sea journey.

start of a journey

Emphasizes the beginning of any type of travel.

outset of an undertaking

Refers to the initiation of a project or task.

launch of a venture

Specifically relates to starting a business or similar endeavor.

initiation of proceedings

Applies to the start of formal or legal processes.

setting sail

Specifically refers to the beginning of a sea voyage, often with a sense of adventure.

taking flight

Specifically refers to the beginning of an air journey.

beginning of operations

Relates to the commencement of activities in a business or organization.

kick-off of an initiative

Indicates the start of a specific project or program.

FAQs

How to use "embarkation" in a sentence?

"Embarkation" is typically used to describe the act of boarding a vessel or starting a journey, as in "The soldiers prepared for their "embarkation" to the war zone" or "The "embarkation" process was smooth and efficient".

What can I say instead of "embarkation"?

Alternatives to "embarkation" include "boarding", "start", "beginning", or "commencement", depending on the specific context.

Is "embarkation" formal or informal?

"Embarkation" is generally considered a formal term. In more casual settings, using words like "boarding" or "start" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "embarkation" and "departure"?

"Embarkation" specifically refers to the act of boarding a vessel or vehicle to begin a journey, while "departure" refers to the act of leaving a place. You can have an "embarkation" before the "departure".