unitary

[ yoo-ni-ter-ee ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a unit or units.
2. of, pertaining to, characterized by, or aiming toward unity:

   the unitary principles of nationalism.

3. of the nature of a unit; having the indivisible character of a unit; whole.
4. serving as a unit, as of measurement or estimation.
5. of or relating to the use of units:

   A unitary method was applied.

6. Government. of or relating to a system of government in which the executive, legislative, and judicial powers of each state in a body of states are vested in a central authority.

unitary

/ -trɪ; ˈjuːnɪtərɪ /

adjective

1. of a unit or units
2. based on or characterized by unity
3. individual; whole
4. of or relating to a system of government in which all governing authority is held by the central government Compare federal

Other Words From

• uni·tari·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unitary¹

First recorded in 1810–20; unit, unit(y) + -ary

Example Sentences

This is also true in how the media class and pundits insist on viewing women as a unitary identity.

From Salon

The unitary council in south Essex became effectively bankrupt two years ago after it borrowed and invested hundreds of millions and racked up a £1.5bn debt.

From BBC

“But under the ‘unitary executive’ theory, it is not illegal for the president to intervene in individual cases.

From Los Angeles Times

The CCN represents England's 20 county councils and 17 unitary authorities in shire areas.

From BBC

Central Bedfordshire Council was set up as a unitary authority in 2009 - replacing the county and district council set-up in the county and providing all the council services in its area.

From BBC

Related Words

• individual
• lone
• original
• particular
• personal
• private
• separate
• simple
• sole
• special
• specific