Word
cooperation
Phoneticsco·op·er·a·tion
US/ˌkwɑpɝˈeɪʃən/
UK/kəʊˈɒpəɹˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01working together
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of working with someone else to get something done.
n. the act of working or acting together for a common purpose or benefit.
“The project was a success thanks to the close cooperation between the two departments.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02willingness to help
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. being helpful by doing what someone asks you to do.
n. assistance or willingness to assist a person or organisation, often in a regulatory or social context.
“The police thanked the public for their cooperation during the investigation.”
“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.
Teaching tip
This sense often appears in formal or legal contexts, such as police reports or customer service requests.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03mutual benefit
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic · Formal
n. a group or system where people work together to share profits or resources.
n. an association or collective effort for mutual economic or social benefit.
“The farmers formed a system of cooperation to buy expensive equipment together.”
“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.
Teaching tip
In modern business, 'cooperative' is more common for the specific business entity, while 'cooperation' describes the spirit of the arrangement.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “cooperation” in context.
Verb
01. require cooperation
“This project is very complex and will require cooperation from every department.”
verb + noun
Adjective
02. international cooperation
“Solving the climate crisis will require strong international cooperation between all countries.”
adj + noun
Etymology
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.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/cooperation