unitary
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.
“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.”
Often used in formal political, legal, or mathematical contexts; typically precedes the noun it modifies.
From unit + -ary.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.