coalition

[ koh-uh-lish-uhn ]

noun

1. a combination or alliance, especially a temporary one between persons, factions, states, etc.

   Synonyms: league, partnership

2. a union into one body or mass; fusion.

coalition

/ ˌkəʊəˈlɪʃən /

noun

1. 1. an alliance or union between groups, factions, or parties, esp for some temporary and specific reason
   2. ( as modifier )

      a coalition government

2. a fusion or merging into one body or mass

coalition

1. An alliance of political groups formed to oppose a common foe or pursue a common goal.

Notes

In countries with many political parties, none of which can get a majority of the citizens' votes, the only way an effective government can be formed is by a coalition of parties. Such coalitions are often unstable.

Derived Forms

• ˌcoaˈlitionist, noun
• ˌcoaˈlitional, adjective

Other Words From

• coa·lition·al adjective
• coa·lition·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of coalition¹

1605–15; < Latin coalitiōn- (stem of coalitiō ), equivalent to coalit ( us ), past participle of coalēscere ( co- co- + ali-, past participle stem of alere to nourish + -tus past participle suffix) + -iōn- -ion; coalesce

Word History and Origins

Origin of coalition¹

C17: from Medieval Latin coalitiō, from Latin coalēscere to coalesce

Example Sentences

That fact has raised concerns among a coalition of tenant and housing advocates who want the city to shift course to reduce displacement.

From Los Angeles Times

A coalition of advocates for low-income households is asking the city go further.

From Los Angeles Times

While there was a sense of victory in the air, the cracks in Trump’s coalition also shined through.

From Salon

But Act - a minor party in the ruling centre-right coalition - say this has resulted in the country being divided by race, and the bill will allow the treaty to be interpreted more fairly through parliament, rather than the courts.

From BBC

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, however, has called the bill "divisive" - despite being part of the same coalition.

From BBC