Word
unitary
Phoneticsuni·tary
US/ˈjunɪˌtɛɹi/
UK/jˈuːnɪtəɹi/
Definition
adj. describing something that acts as a single, solid unit rather than being split into smaller parts. In government, it means the central power has control over the whole country.
adj. relating to or existing as a single, undivided entity. In political science, it describes a system where central government holds supreme authority, contrasting with federal systems.
Examples
“The country has a unitary government with power in the capital.”
“The board decided to move toward a unitary structure to ensure all departments followed the same rules.”
“Unlike a federation where states share sovereignty, a unitary state centralizes power, though it may delegate specific administrative tasks to local authorities at its own discretion.”
Examples
simple
“The country has a unitary government with power in the capital.”
contextual
“The board decided to move toward a unitary structure to ensure all departments followed the same rules.”
complex
“Unlike a federation where states share sovereignty, a unitary state centralizes power, though it may delegate specific administrative tasks to local authorities at its own discretion.”
Usage
Often used in formal political, legal, or mathematical contexts; typically precedes the noun it modifies.
Etymology
From unit + -ary.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- 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/unitary