What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
displacement
Example
The displacement of the furniture in the room made it look more spacious. [displacement: noun]
Example
The earthquake caused the displacement of thousands of people from their homes. [displacement: noun]
relocation
Example
The company announced the relocation of its headquarters to a new city. [relocation: noun]
Example
We are relocating to a bigger house next month. [relocating: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Relocation is more commonly used than displacement in everyday language. Relocation is a common term used in business and personal contexts, while displacement is more commonly used in discussions of conflict, natural disasters, and human rights issues.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between displacement and relocation?
Relocation is a more formal term than displacement. It is often used in professional and business contexts, while displacement is more commonly used in informal or advocacy settings.