cooperation

or co-op·er·a·tion

[ koh-op-uh-rey-shuhn ]

noun

1. an act or instance of working or acting together for a common purpose or benefit; joint action.
2. more or less active assistance from a person, organization, etc.:

   We sought the cooperation of various civic leaders.

3. willingness to cooperate:

   to indicate cooperation.

4. Economics. the combination of persons for purposes of production, purchase, or distribution for their joint benefit:

   producers' cooperation; consumers' cooperation.

5. Sociology. activity shared for mutual benefit.
6. Ecology. mutually beneficial interaction among organisms living in a limited area.

cooperation

/ kəʊˌɒpəˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. joint operation or action
2. assistance or willingness to assist
3. economics the combination of consumers, workers, farmers, etc, in activities usually embracing production, distribution, or trade
4. ecology beneficial but inessential interaction between two species in a community

Derived Forms

• coˌoperˈationist, noun

Other Words From

• co·oper·ation·ist co-oper·ation·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cooperation¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Middle French, from Late Latin cooperātiōn-, stem of cooperātiō; equivalent to cooperate + -ion

Example Sentences

Since Trump won the presidency last week, Biden and his team have made a point of highlighting their cooperation, which they see as a teachable moment in a public civics lesson.

From Los Angeles Times

She wanted to create a new language, one that showed the power of cooperation.

From Los Angeles Times

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation."

From BBC

His successor will face the challenge that Africa’s best formula for peace and security lies in norm-based multilateral cooperation, but 2025 will be an inauspicious year for reviving that project.

From BBC

Having played on both sides of what has been a divisive fence, he said "everyone understands the need for some level of cooperation for golf to prosper for fans" with "three of four tours splitting up the top players in the world".

From BBC

Related Words

• aid
• assistance
• collaboration
• participation
• partnership
• service
• unity