Word
multilateral
Phoneticsmul·ti·lat·er·al, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌməɫtiˈɫætɝəɫ/
UK/mˌʌltɪlˈætəɹəl/
Definition
adj. involving more than two groups or countries. You use this to describe agreements or talks where many different sides work together.
adj. involving or participated in by three or more parties, especially the governments of different countries. Often used to describe diplomatic negotiations or trade agreements.
Examples
“The countries signed a multilateral trade agreement.”
“The climate summit is a multilateral effort to reduce global carbon emissions through shared goals.”
“Diplomats argued that a multilateral approach was the only viable path toward regional stability, as bilateral agreements often ignored the security concerns of neighboring states.”
Examples
simple
“The countries signed a multilateral trade agreement.”
contextual
“The climate summit is a multilateral effort to reduce global carbon emissions through shared goals.”
complex
“Diplomats argued that a multilateral approach was the only viable path toward regional stability, as bilateral agreements often ignored the security concerns of neighboring states.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; often contrasted with 'bilateral' or 'unilateral'.
Real-World Examples
“This is demonstrated in Malaysia’s continued commitment to the Five Powers Defence Arrangements (FPDA), a multilateral security framework that also includes Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.” “Examples include the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act and multilateral initiatives such as UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence , the Hiroshima AI Process and the International Standards Organization’s ISO/IEC 42001 .” “She also called on multilateral development banks to use guarantees, concessional financing and other instruments to attract more private investment, particularly for small farmers and local businesses.” Etymology
From multi- + lateral.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/multilateral