pattern
noun
uk/ˈpætən/ us [ 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 employment
a 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.
pattern
adjective [ before noun ]
HR uk/ˈpætən/ usused to describe an agreement based on similar agreements with other companies:
a pattern agreement/contract The contract was viewed by bargainers as a pattern agreement to be used in negotiations with the car company.
The traditional pattern bargaining that went on in the auto industry has gone.
pattern
verb [ T ]
uk/ˈpætən/ usbe patterned after/on sth
to be copied from something or to be very similar to something:
The facility will employ 150 people and be patterned after the steel fastener facility in Saint Joe, Indiana.