English Reference
noun

cooperation

n.
US /ˌkwɑpɝˈeɪʃən/ UK /kəʊˈɒpəɹˈeɪʃən/ co·op·er·a·tion UK spelling cooperations

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

Usage international cooperation · require cooperation


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

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

This entry
Origin la-lat cooperātiō
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated