Organizations Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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organizations

[หŒษ”หrษกษ™naษชหˆzeษชสƒษ™nz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

business

Organizations are groups of people who work together towards a common goal or purpose. They can be structured in various ways, such as hierarchical or flat. Organizations can be for-profit or non-profit, and can range from small local groups to large multinational corporations.

Synonyms

association, company, corporation, institution.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
company

Most commonly refers to a business entity engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities.

  • She started her own company last year and it's been very successful.
  • The company is planning to launch a new product next month.
association

Typically used for groups of people who come together based on shared interests, professions, or activities, often for mutual benefit.

  • He joined the local football association to connect with other players.
  • The Medical Association held a conference on the latest research in cancer treatment.
corporation

A specific type of company that is legally separate from its owners, often larger and more complex, involved in extensive operations.

  • Apple is a well-known multinational corporation.
  • The corporation announced a merger with a smaller firm to expand its market share.
institution

Used for established organizations, often with a long history, which have significant influence or importance, such as universities, banks, or government bodies.

  • Harvard is a prestigious educational institution.
  • The banking institution has been providing financial services for over a century.

Examples of usage

  • Many successful organizations have a clear mission statement.
  • She works for a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation.
Context #2 | Noun

society

Organizations can also refer to formal groups or associations within a society that serve specific functions, such as advocacy groups, charities, or political parties. These organizations often have a structured hierarchy and rules governing their operations.

Synonyms

association, club, group, society.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
organizations

Used to refer to structured entities set up for a specific purpose, often related to business, government, or non-profit activities.

  • Non-governmental organizations are working hard to provide relief to the flood victims.
  • Tech companies are some of the most influential organizations in the modern economy.
group

A very general term that can refer to any collection of people or things gathered together, often informal and used in various contexts.

  • A group of friends decided to go on a weekend trip.
  • The research group is working on a new project.
association

Often used for more formal groupings of people or organizations usually created for a common professional, commercial or social purpose.

  • The National Education Association represents teachers across the country.
  • He joined the local homeownersโ€™ association to have a say in neighborhood issues.
society

Used to denote a larger, enduring community of individuals tied by common interests, values, or objectives, often with a formal structure.

  • The historical society preserves important artifacts from the town's past.
  • He was honored by the medical society for his contributions to the field.
club

Typically refers to a group of people who meet for a particular activity or interest, usually more informal and social.

  • She is a member of the chess club at her school.
  • They started a book club to discuss their favorite novels.

Examples of usage

  • The organization was founded to promote human rights in the region.
  • He is a member of several community organizations.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Business

  • Organizations can be for profit, like businesses, or non-profit, like charities, each serving different purposes.
  • The concept of organizational culture plays a big role in how members interact and feel about their work environment.
  • Flat organizational structures are becoming more popular, meaning fewer levels of management and more employee empowerment.

Social Science

  • Sociologists study organizations to understand how they operate and influence society.
  • Different kinds of organizations, such as NGOs and governments, serve distinct social functions ranging from advocacy to administration.
  • The study of organizations includes theories like systems theory, which sees them as part of interconnected networks.

Technology

  • In the digital age, organizations use tools like cloud computing for collaboration, breaking traditional barriers of location.
  • Automated systems and AI are increasingly used in organizations to streamline operations and enhance decision-making.
  • The rise of remote work has led to new organizational structures and communication strategies.

Historical Context

  • Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, had organized labor forces and structures to build monumental projects.
  • Labor unions emerged in the 19th century to protect workersโ€™ rights, showcasing another form of organization focused on advocacy.
  • Political organizations, such as early parties and grassroots movements, have shaped the course of history through collective action.

Origin of 'organizations'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'organon', meaning 'tool' or 'instrument', emphasizing the structured nature of groups.
  • In the early 19th century, 'organization' was used mainly to describe military groups before expanding to other sectors.
  • The root 'organize' has influenced many terms related to method and form, showing the importance of structure.

The word 'organizations' originated from the late Middle English period, derived from the Old French word 'organizacion' and the Latin word 'organizatio'. The concept of organizing people into groups for a specific purpose dates back to ancient civilizations, where societies and institutions were formed to achieve common goals. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a wide range of structures and functions, reflecting the complexity of modern society.


See also: disorganize, disorganized, organizable, organizational, organizers, organizing, reorganization, reorganize, unorganized.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,170, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.