# cooperation

/ˌkwɑpɝˈeɪʃən/ (US) · /kəʊˈɒpəɹˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cooperation
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. working together

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. willingness to help

noun · CEFR B2

being helpful by doing what someone asks you to do.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. mutual benefit

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The project was successful thanks to the cooperation of everyone involved.
- Local police requested the cooperation of the public to help identify the suspect in the security footage.
- International cooperation on climate policy remains a delicate balancing act between national economic interests and the collective necessity for carbon reduction.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.