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 Word Forms

• unitariness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unitary¹

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

Example Sentences

The 15 councils in the county will be replaced with either five, four or three all-purpose unitary authorities.

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Worcestershire is taking part in the plans for local government reorganisation from 2028, with a business case for a unitary authority revealed earlier this month.

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In many instances, Bush and others sought to justify his actions by invoking the unitary executive theory, a conservative thesis that calls for total presidential control over the entire executive branch.

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Cheney believed in the unitary executive theory before it became de rigueur among Republicans.

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After taking office, Cheney pursued with implacable vigor his vision of sweeping presidential authority—an idea known as the unitary executive.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• lone 
• original 
• particular 
• personal 
• respective 
• separate 
• single 
• singular 
• sole 
• special 
• specific