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

Back in Britain, the prime minister has suggested that policing, intelligence and more international cooperation is the answer.

From BBC

“We look forward to their continued cooperation and work towards reaching a voluntary resolution soon to improve upon health disparities and maternal health outcomes — a goal shared by Cedars-Sinai and HHS,” the agency spokesperson said.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s unclear whether Trump could actually accomplish this part of his plan without local and state cooperation.

From Los Angeles Times

But Sir Keir Starmer is determined to improve relations - still challenging Beijing over disagreements but also looking for cooperation where possible.

From BBC

The prime minister will say it is right to engage with China on "areas of mutual cooperation" such as international stability, climate change and economic growth.

From BBC

Related Words

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