The present invention provides a patterning method and a method for forming a fin structure. The patterning method includes: providing a substrate, wherein a
barrier layer and a core pattern are sequentially formed on the substrate from bottom to top; forming a first sidewall material layer; performing an
ion implantation process; performing an
etching process to form the first sidewall, wherein the
etching rate of the
ion-implanted first sidewall material layer is greater than the
etching rate of the un-
ion-implanted first sidewall material layer; removing the core pattern; forming a second sidewall material layer; performing an
ion implantation process; performing an etching process to form the second sidewall; and removing the first sidewall. The present invention, by ion implanting the first and second sidewall material
layers on the top walls of the
barrier layer and the core pattern to increase the
etching rate of the ion-implanted portion relative to the un-ion-implanted portion, helps to eliminate the thickness difference between the barrier
layers on both sides of the first sidewall and the barrier
layers on both sides of the second sidewall, thereby forming a
mask pattern with a better morphology.