What does "cooperation" mean?

1. (working together) the act of working with someone else to get something done. 2. (willingness to help) being helpful by doing what someone asks you to do. 3. (mutual benefit) a group or system where people work together to share profits or resources.

How do you use "cooperation"?

Often used with the preposition 'with' for people and 'on' for projects. Commonly used in formal requests or by authorities. Usually uncountable in this abstract sense.

cooperation

US //ˌkwɑpɝˈeɪʃən// UK //kəʊˈɒpəɹˈeɪʃən// co·op·er·a·tion

1 working together (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the act of working with someone else to get something done.

the act of working or acting together for a common purpose or benefit.

Example

The project was a success thanks to the close cooperation between the two departments.

Example

Effective international cooperation is essential if we are to address the complex challenges posed by global climate change.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'with' for people and 'on' for projects.
- collaboration
- teamwork
- joint effort
2 willingness to help (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

being helpful by doing what someone asks you to do.

assistance or willingness to assist a person or organisation, often in a regulatory or social context.

Example

The police thanked the public for their cooperation during the investigation.

Example

The suspect's lack of cooperation significantly hindered the legal proceedings, leading to additional charges of obstruction.

Usage

Commonly used in formal requests or by authorities.

Teacher's tip

This sense often appears in formal or legal contexts, such as police reports or customer service requests.
- defiance
- obstruction

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3 mutual benefit (n.)
C1 Advanced Academic Formal

a group or system where people work together to share profits or resources.

an association or collective effort for mutual economic or social benefit.

Example

The farmers formed a system of cooperation to buy expensive equipment together.

Example

The treaty established a framework for economic cooperation, allowing for the seamless exchange of technical expertise and raw materials across borders.

Usage

Usually uncountable in this abstract sense.

Teacher's tip

In modern business, 'cooperative' is more common for the specific business entity, while 'cooperation' describes the spirit of the arrangement.

Origin

First attested in 1620–1630. Borrowed from French cooperation, from Late Latin cooperātiō. By surface analysis, co- + operation or cooperate + -ion.