Cooperation: Definition, Usage & Key Examples

Meaning 1：working together (cooperation)

cooperation 🔊

/kəʊˌɒpəˈreɪʃn/

Working together with others to achieve a shared goal or complete a task.

Cooperation illustrated by diverse people collaboratively solving a large jigsaw puzzle together.

working together 🔊

➕

/ˈwɜːkɪŋ təˈɡeðə/

The act or process of people or groups working together jointly for a common purpose or benefit.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Derived from Latin 'co-' (together, with) and 'operari' (to work). Literally means 'working together'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a 'CO-OP' grocery store. People CO-operate to run it together for mutual benefit. CO = together, OPERATION = work.

📖 Example

The success of our school science project relied heavily on the excellent cooperation between all team members. 🔊 The success of our school science project relied heavily on the excellent working together between all team members.

🔗 Collocations

international cooperation – collaborative effort between different countries

full cooperation – complete and willing assistance

close cooperation – intensive and continuous collaborative work

🔄 Synonyms

collaboration (n.) – The act of working with someone to produce something.

teamwork (n.) – The combined effort of a group working effectively together.

partnership (n.) – A cooperative relationship between people or groups who agree to share responsibility.

🚫 Antonyms

competition (n.) – The activity of striving to gain or win something by defeating others.

conflict (n.) – A serious disagreement or argument; a clash.

obstruction (n.) – The action of deliberately hindering or preventing a process or activity.

🌱 Derivatives

cooperate (v.) – To work jointly towards the same end.

cooperative (adj./n.) – Involving mutual assistance or a jointly owned enterprise.

📖 Cultural Story

The term has its roots in Late Latin 'cooperatio'. In modern English, it is a cornerstone concept in business, diplomacy, and organizational theory. The phrase 'international cooperation' is ubiquitous in news and policy documents, highlighting its critical role in addressing global challenges like climate change or public health.