What does accommodation mean?
Accommodation is a noun with two principal meanings: first, a room, building, or other space in which a person can live or stay, as in hotel or student accommodation; second, an adjustment or adaptation made to meet a particular need, purpose, or set of circumstances. In British English the word is typically treated as uncountable when referring to lodging, whereas American English commonly uses the plural form 'accommodations' for the same idea. The word appears frequently in travel, education, and legal contexts — notably in the phrase 'reasonable accommodation', which describes adjustments that allow people with disabilities to participate fully in work or public life. Derived from the Latin accommodare, meaning 'to make fit' or 'to adapt', it shares its root with accommodate and accommodating. Its spelling, with both a double c and a double m, makes it a classic test of careful writing, and its dual sense of physical shelter and flexible adjustment gives it unusual breadth for a single everyday term.
A room, building, or space in which someone may live or stay; lodging.
"The university guarantees accommodation for all first-year students."
Uncountable in British English; the plural 'accommodations' is common in American English.
An adjustment or adaptation made to suit a particular purpose, need, or circumstance; a concession or convenience provided for someone.
"The airline made special accommodations for passengers travelling with infants."
In British English, 'accommodation' is usually uncountable when referring to lodging, so no plural is used. In American English, 'accommodations' is the standard plural for rooms or lodgings, and it is also used in phrases like 'make accommodations for'.
"The resort offers luxurious accommodations overlooking the sea."
The word 'accommodation' famously has one of the most misspelled spellings in English — it needs double c's AND double m's.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of accommodation
Accommodation derives from the Latin verb accommodare, formed from ad- ('to, towards') plus commodare ('to make fit, to suit'), itself rooted in commodus ('suitable, convenient'). The word entered English via French in the early 17th century, initially carrying senses of adaptation and fitting before extending to the provision of lodgings. It shares its Latin root with related words such as accommodate, commode, commodity, and mode.
Related word forms
How accommodation is actually used
In British English, 'accommodation' is uncountable when referring to lodging ('we found accommodation'), while American English more often uses the plural 'accommodations' in this sense. The plural is standard in US usage and also common in the phrase 'make accommodations'. The word carries a neutral to formal register.
Easily confused with accommodation
Recommendation means advice or a suggestion in favour of something, whereas accommodation refers to lodging or an adjustment made to suit needs.