Synonyms

participation

American

[pahr-tis-uh-pey-shuhn] / pɑrˌtɪs əˈpeɪ ʃən /

noun

an act or instance of participating.
the fact of taking part, as in some action or attempt.

participation in a celebration.
a sharing, as in benefits or profits.

participation in a pension plan.

adjective

of or relating to a venture characterized by more than one person, bank, or company participating in risk or profit.

a participation loan.

Other Word Forms

preparticipation noun
underparticipation noun

Etymology

Origin of participation

First recorded in 1325–75; from Late Latin participātiōn-, stem of participātiō; equivalent to participate + -ion; replacing Middle English participacioun, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin, as above

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One of the more troubling signals in Friday’s report came from a decline in the labor-force participation rate—the share of the working-age population that is either working or looking for work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

With more people exiting the labor force, the so-called participation rate fell in March to 61.9%, to mark the lowest level in nearly five years.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

I just knew I could not continue living a version of life that felt like survival instead of participation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Understanding that dynamic helps explain why it is essential to distinguish the present dispute from cases in which courts are being asked to intervene to protect democratic participation.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

Because of the time lag in communications, the general prisoners probably did not learn of our participation for a day or so.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023