English Reference
noun

collaboration

n.
US /kəˌɫæbɝˈeɪʃən/ UK /kəlˌæbəɹˈeɪʃən/ col·lab·o·ra·tion UK spelling collaborations

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a specific piece of work, like a song or a book, created by two or more people.

    a specific product or creation resulting from joint effort. Countable in this sense.

    Simple

    The new album is a collaboration between a famous singer and a jazz pianist.

    In context

    Their latest collaboration, a documentary about urban wildlife, received critical acclaim at several international film festivals last year.

    joint ventureco production
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of helping an enemy who has taken control of your country.

    traitorous cooperation with an enemy, especially an occupying force. Uncountable in this historical and political sense.

    Simple

    He was accused of collaboration with the enemy during the war.

    In context

    The post-war trials focused heavily on individuals suspected of active collaboration with the occupying regime during the four-year conflict.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense carries a very strong negative moral judgment; use 'cooperation' for neutral or positive contexts.

Usage collaboration with researchers

She added there would now be "an intensive period of collaboration" between all involved in order "to deliver a contest that meets the high expectations of millions of viewers around the world".

BBC News· 13 Aug 2026

Freedom 2, their deadly 2023 collaboration with Joy Orbison and driller Kwengface, brings a welcome extra layer of momentum – and some much needed low-end bass rumble.

The Guardian· 10 Aug 2026

Originated 1855–60 from French collaboration, from Late Latin collaboratus + -ion, from Latin con- (“with”) + labōrō (“work”). Morphologically collaborate + -ion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin con-
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated