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

Other Word Forms

• cooperationist noun
• co-operationist 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

The Korean National Police Agency established a formal system of investigative cooperation with Telegram in October 2024, enabling the platform to officially provide authorities with relevant information.

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Tackling illegal migration to Europe and security cooperation are on the agenda, as is a diplomatic push to grant Africa a stronger voice in global governance bodies.

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For years, international cooperation has been limited because scientists lacked clear information about how migratory birds connect different habitats and communities throughout the seasons.

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It also called for greater cooperation between banks and social media companies where fraud can take place.

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The flight represented an unusual example of cooperation between Iran and the US.

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Related Words

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