English Reference

Word

diplomat

Phoneticsdiplo·mat

US/ˈdɪpɫəˌmæt/

UK/dˈɪpləmˌæt/

Countable noun

Definition

n. an official whose job is to represent their country in a foreign country.

n. an official, such as an ambassador or consul, appointed by a state to conduct diplomacy with another state or international organisation.

Examples

“The diplomat traveled to the capital to sign the new peace treaty.”

“After months of tension, a senior diplomat was sent to negotiate a trade agreement that benefited both nations.”

“A successful diplomat must balance the strict instructions of their home government with the cultural nuances and political sensitivities of the host country to avoid international friction.”

Examples

simple

“The diplomat traveled to the capital to sign the new peace treaty.”

contextual

“After months of tension, a senior diplomat was sent to negotiate a trade agreement that benefited both nations.”

complex

“A successful diplomat must balance the strict instructions of their home government with the cultural nuances and political sensitivities of the host country to avoid international friction.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “diplomat” in context.

Verb

01. accredit a diplomat

“The ambassador was officially accredited as a diplomat to the United Nations.”

verb + noun

02. expel a diplomat

“The host country decided to expel the diplomat following allegations of espionage.”

verb + noun

03. summon a diplomat

“The foreign ministry summoned the diplomat to explain his government's recent actions.”

verb + noun

Adjective

04. career diplomat

“Unlike political appointees, she is a career diplomat who has served in the foreign service for thirty years.”

adj + noun

05. seasoned diplomat

“The government sent a seasoned diplomat to handle the delicate peace negotiations.”

adj + noun

Noun

06. diplomat immunity

“The official claimed diplomat immunity to avoid prosecution in the local courts.”

noun + noun

07. rank of diplomat

“After years of hard work, he finally attained the rank of diplomat.”

noun + of + noun

Real-World Examples

“A year after UN plastics treaty negotiations collapsed in Geneva in 2025, diplomats met informally in Nairobi between 30 June and 3 July, aiming to flesh out a new “no surprises” document.”
The Guardian 13 Aug 2026
“Foucher, 65, has been serving as his country's top diplomat in Bangui since 2023.”
BBC News 13 Aug 2026
“The 68-year-old became a diplomat under Aung San Suu Kyi after a long career in the army and has called the “Rohingya issue” very important.”
The Guardian 12 Aug 2026

Etymology

From French diplomate, a back-formation from diplomatique (“diplomatic”), ultimately from Ancient Greek δίπλωμα (díplōma, “double-folded document”).

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

Synonyms

Word family

NOUN

diplomat(C1)

This entry

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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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English Reference