# confederacy

/kənˈfɛdɝəsi/ (US) · /kənfˈɛdəɹəsi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/confederacy
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a group of people, states, or organizations that join together for a common purpose. Usually, the members keep most of their own power while working together on specific goals.

For teachers: a league or alliance of independent states or organizations joined for a common purpose. Typically involves a decentralized structure where the central authority is weaker than the constituent members.

## Examples

- The small nations formed a confederacy to protect their trade routes.
- Before the central government was established, the region operated as a loose confederacy of independent tribes.
- The historical success of the confederacy depended entirely on the voluntary cooperation of its member states, as the central council lacked the power to enforce its decrees.

## Usage notes

- Often used in historical or political contexts to describe a union less centralized than a federation.

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