English Reference
noun

diplomacy

n.
US /dɪˈpɫoʊməsi/ UK /dɪplˈəʊməsˌi/ diplo·ma·cy UK spelling diplomacies

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the work of managing relationships between different countries through talk and agreements.

    the profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations, typically by a country's representatives abroad.

    Simple

    The two countries used diplomacy to end the border dispute without a war.

    In context

    The success of the climate summit depended on quiet diplomacy between the world's largest economies before the public sessions began.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the field of study or the general practice.

    statesmanshipnegotiationforeign affairs

Washington has also left little room for diplomacy.

BBC News· 25 Aug 2026

Languages are vital for diplomacy, trade and cultural understanding.

The Guardian· 20 Aug 2026

From French diplomatie, a back-formation from diplomatique, ultimately from Latin diploma (“a letter of recommendation or authority”); see diploma.

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

This entry
Origin Latin diploma
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated