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

Vought is a proponent of the “unitary executive” theory, the argument that the president should have unfettered control over every tentacle of the executive branch, including independent agencies such as the Federal Reserve.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The unitary executive theory suggests that such limits wrongly curtail the powers of the chief executive.

Read more on Salon

Councils across the county have until 26 September to submit plans to replace borough, district and county councils with new unitary authorities from 2028.

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Back then, some of the unitary executive proponents were a bit disturbed.

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Oliver said the CCN supported the government's reforms but added: "We are concerned over the potential costs of reorganisation where proposals seek to replace the two-tier system with multiple small unitary councils."

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Related Words

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