think-tank: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, journalistic, academic, business
Quick answer
What does “think-tank” mean?
A group of experts who provide advice and ideas on specific political, economic, or social problems.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A group of experts who provide advice and ideas on specific political, economic, or social problems.
Any organization, institute, or group that conducts research and provides strategic advice, often in the fields of policy, technology, or business strategy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'think tank' (two words) is increasingly common in both, but the hyphenated form 'think-tank' is still widely used, especially in British English. No significant difference in meaning.
Connotations
Neutral to positive, suggesting expertise and innovation. Can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being detached from reality or ideologically driven, depending on context.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, heavily used in political and policy discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “think-tank” in a Sentence
[think-tank] + [verb: publishes, recommends, argues, suggests][adjective] + [think-tank][think-tank] + [preposition: on, for] + [topic]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “think-tank” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard; the word is a noun.)
American English
- (Not standard; the word is a noun.)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable.)
American English
- (Not applicable.)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard; use attributive noun, e.g., 'think-tank researcher').
American English
- (Not standard; use attributive noun, e.g., 'think-tank analyst').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to internal or external groups developing long-term corporate strategy or innovation.
Academic
Used for research centres focused on applied policy analysis, often bridging academia and practice.
Everyday
Less common; understood as a group of clever people who plan or solve big problems.
Technical
Specific to political science, public policy, and organisational studies discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “think-tank”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “think-tank”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “think-tank”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'We need to think-tank this issue' – incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'thinkthank'.
- Using it to refer to any meeting where ideas are discussed (it implies a permanent or semi-permanent organization).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'think tank' (two words) and 'think-tank' (hyphenated) are correct. The hyphenated form is traditional, but the open form is increasingly common. Dictionaries list both.
Yes. Many large corporations have internal 'think-tanks', 'innovation labs', or 'strategy units' that function similarly to traditional policy think-tanks, focusing on business and technological futures.
A think-tank primarily aims to influence public debate and policy through research and advocacy, often non-commercially. A consultancy is typically a for-profit firm hired by clients to solve specific business problems. There can be overlap.
No. While some strive for academic objectivity, many are openly aligned with political ideologies (e.g., left-wing, right-wing, libertarian) and aim to promote those ideas through their work.
A group of experts who provide advice and ideas on specific political, economic, or social problems.
Think-tank is usually formal, journalistic, academic, business in register.
Think-tank: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθɪŋk tæŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθɪŋk ˌtæŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A think-tank for hire (pejorative, suggesting biased research for pay)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TANK full of brains (THINKing) instead of fuel, driving towards solutions.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A CONTAINER (of ideas); PROBLEM-SOLVING IS WAR/STRATEGY (hence 'tank').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely to be described as a think-tank?