Coalition Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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coalition

[ˌkoʊ.əˈlɪʃ.ən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

government

A coalition is a government formed by two or more political parties working together, usually because no single party has enough support to govern alone.

Synonyms

alliance, partnership, union.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coalition

Used often in a political context or when multiple groups form a temporary union to achieve a common goal.

  • The political coalition won the election by uniting different parties
  • The environmental coalition worked together to promote green policies
alliance

Typically used in an international or business setting, where entities form a strategic agreement to support each other.

  • NATO is a military alliance between various countries
  • The companies entered into an alliance to enhance their market reach
partnership

Commonly used in a business or collaborative setting to describe a long-term cooperation between individuals or organizations.

  • The tech firms formed a partnership to develop new software
  • Their partnership has lasted over a decade and is very successful
union

Often used in a labor or organizational context, where individuals or groups come together for a common cause or benefit, sometimes suggesting a formal or official agreement.

  • The workers' union negotiated better wages and working conditions
  • The European Union is a political and economic union of member states

Examples of usage

  • The ruling coalition consists of three political parties.
  • The coalition government was formed after the election.
Context #2 | Noun

military

A coalition is a temporary alliance of various military forces for a specific purpose, such as a joint military operation or peacekeeping mission.

Synonyms

alliance, partnership, union.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coalition

Used to describe a temporary alliance of distinct groups or parties that come together to achieve a common goal or coordinate actions. Often used in political or military contexts.

  • Several political parties formed a coalition to pass the new law.
  • The coalition of nations worked together to address the environmental crisis.
alliance

Refers to a formal agreement or pact between two or more parties, typically countries or organizations, to work together for mutual benefit. Often used in contexts of diplomacy, business, or military.

  • The two countries entered into an alliance to strengthen their defense.
  • Several tech companies formed an alliance to develop new standards for data privacy.
union

Describes a merging or coming together of two or more entities to form a single, unified body. Often used in contexts of labor movements, political states, or trade.

  • The workers formed a union to negotiate better pay and working conditions.
  • The two regions were joined together in a political union.
partnership

Indicates a close cooperation between two or more parties where they invest resources, share risks, and profits. Commonly used in business, education, or community development settings.

  • The small business entered a partnership with a larger firm to expand its reach.
  • The university announced a new partnership with an international research institute.

Examples of usage

  • The coalition forces launched a joint operation against the enemy.
  • The country joined the coalition to support peacekeeping efforts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Political Science

  • Coalitions are often formed in parliamentary systems when no single party gains a majority, requiring parties to collaborate.
  • The European Union is an example of a coalition, where many countries work together on economic and political issues.
  • Coalitions can be temporary or long-lasting, depending on the goals of the groups involved.

Business

  • In business, companies may create coalitions to pool resources for research and development projects.
  • An example is the healthcare coalition that provides a united front to negotiate better prices with suppliers.
  • Coalitions in business often focus on areas like sustainability and diversity to achieve greater impact.

Social Movements

  • Coalitions are crucial in social movements, such as those advocating for civil rights, to combine efforts for larger impact.
  • They help diverse groups resonate a unified message that attracts wider public support.
  • Historical examples include the coalitions formed during the Suffragette movement for women's voting rights.

Environmental Efforts

  • Many environmental initiatives are based on coalitions between governments, NGOs, and private sectors aiming for global change.
  • The Paris Agreement is an example of a coalition of nations committing to combat climate change together.
  • These coalitions help to coordinate actions and set shared goals for sustainability.

Origin of 'coalition'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'coalitio', which means 'growing together'.
  • It has roots in the word 'coalesce', indicating the coming together of different elements.
  • The term has been used since the 15th century to describe groups that unite for a specific cause.

The word 'coalition' originated from the Latin word 'coalitio', which means 'a coming together' or 'union'. The concept of coalitions has existed throughout history, as different groups have often joined forces for various purposes. In modern times, the term is commonly used in politics and military contexts to describe alliances between different parties or forces.


See also: coal, coals.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,756 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.