pattern

/ˈpætən/ noun

Definition

› [C] a particular way in which something usually happens or is done: a pattern of sth A pattern of sluggish consumer demand made growth targets impossibly high.a pattern emerges A pattern is emerging of a steady reduction in costs and increased sales.establish/fall into/follow a pattern The decision follows a pattern that has become increasingly common in the food industry.identify/reveal/show a pattern An examination of official documents shows a pattern of construction cost overruns.a changing/different/similar pattern changing patterns of employmenta consumption/growth/spending pattern High joblessness and changing consumption patterns will result in moderate sales. Organizations must address the needs of workers with diverse career patterns and goals.

› [C] a way of doing something that other people, organizations, etc. can copy: set the pattern for sth The talks have set the pattern for trying to solve problems within the industry.

a holding pattern › a situation where there is little activity or change, and people are not doing business, spending money, etc. because they cannot decide what to do next: be in/go into a holding pattern Several deals went into an immediate holding pattern after the crisis.

(Definition of pattern noun from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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