Teamwork: meaning, definitions and examples

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teamwork

[ˈtiːmwɜːrk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

working together

Teamwork is the collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal or to complete a task in the most effective and efficient way. It involves mutual support, coordination, and communication among team members.

Synonyms

collaboration, cooperation, joint effort.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
teamwork	Used when referring to the effort and combined action of a group of people working together to achieve a common goal. Often used in business, sports, and education. Good teamwork is essential for the success of any project The company's success is a result of effective teamwork
collaboration	Employed when emphasizing the act of working together on a specific task or project, often involving exchange of ideas and contributions from all members. Frequently used in professional and academic settings. The new product was developed through the collaboration of several departments Successful collaboration requires clear communication
cooperation	Occurs in situations where people are helping each other or working together towards a common aim, but possibly without the depth of interaction implied by 'collaboration'. Commonly found in everyday social interactions and formal agreements. The two companies announced their cooperation on the new venture International cooperation is key to addressing global issues
joint effort	Best suited for instances where multiple parties are explicitly combining their efforts towards a shared objective. Often used to highlight the combined contribution of distinct entities or groups. The event was a joint effort between the city council and local businesses The rescue mission was a joint effort of various organizations

Examples of usage

Effective teamwork is essential for the success of any project.
The teamwork displayed by the employees led to a significant increase in productivity.
Teamwork allows individuals with different skills and strengths to come together for a shared purpose.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sports

In sports, teamwork refers to the combined action of a group of players working together cohesively towards a common objective, such as winning a game or championship. It involves synchronization, trust, and unity among team members.

Synonyms

collaborative play, coordinated effort, team spirit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
teamwork	Best used to describe a situation where multiple people are working together to achieve a common goal, often in professional or academic settings. Good teamwork is essential for the success of any project. The company's culture strongly encourages teamwork.
team spirit	Best used to describe the enthusiasm, camaraderie, and sense of unity among members of a group or team. Often relevant in sports or community activities. The team spirit was high after they won the championship. Good team spirit can make a significant difference in overcoming challenges.
collaborative play	Best used to describe a situation where children or adults are playing together, sharing tasks and ideas to achieve a joint objective, commonly in educational or recreational scenarios. The preschool emphasizes collaborative play to help children develop social skills. Collaborative play can teach kids the value of cooperation.
coordinated effort	This phrase is useful when referring to multiple people working together in a well-organized and synchronized manner, often to overcome a complex challenge. The rescue operation was successful due to the coordinated effort of various teams. A coordinated effort is needed to tackle climate change effectively.

Examples of usage

The basketball team's teamwork was evident in their seamless passing and scoring.
Teamwork is often the key to victory in team sports like soccer or volleyball.
The coach emphasized the importance of teamwork over individual performance.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The concept of teamwork has roots in ancient civilizations where individuals worked together for farming and building activities.
In the early 20th century, the rise of factories highlighted the need for cooperative work, leading to the study of teamwork in workplaces.
The term gained popularity in the late 20th century as businesses began to recognize the importance of collaboration for success.

Psychology

Research shows that collaboration can increase creativity, as diverse perspectives lead to innovative ideas.
Working in teams can also enhance motivation, as individuals feel more supported and engaged with their peers.
Conflict resolution is a key aspect of teamwork, as groups must navigate differences in opinion to succeed together.

Sports

Team sports, like soccer and basketball, rely heavily on effective teamwork to achieve victories, emphasizing roles within the group.
Successful sports teams often showcase strong communication and trust among players, showcasing the dynamics of teamwork.
Notable teams in sports history, such as the Chicago Bulls during the 1990s, exemplify how teamwork can lead to championship success.

Education

Many educational institutions foster teamwork by incorporating group projects, emphasizing the value of collaboration from a young age.
Skills learned through teamwork in school, such as leadership and compromise, are beneficial in future workplaces.
Group learning experiences in classrooms can lead to better retention of information and improved social skills.

Technology

Advancements in technology, such as collaborative software tools, have transformed how teams work together, even from different parts of the world.
Remote work has emphasized the importance of teamwork, highlighting how virtual communication can still lead to effective collaboration.
Online gaming communities show how teamwork is essential, as players must coordinate and strategize to overcome challenges.

Translations

Translations of the word "teamwork" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trabalho em equipe

🇮🇳 टीमवर्क

🇩🇪 Teamarbeit

🇮🇩 kerja tim

🇺🇦 командна робота

🇵🇱 praca zespołowa

🇯🇵 チームワーク

🇫🇷 travail d'équipe

🇪🇸 trabajo en equipo

🇹🇷 takım çalışması

🇰🇷 팀워크

🇸🇦 العمل الجماعي

🇨🇿 týmová práce

🇸🇰 tímová práca

🇨🇳 团队合作

🇸🇮 timsko delo

🇮🇸 liðsvinna

🇰🇿 топтық жұмыс

🇬🇪 გუნებრივი მუშაობა

🇦🇿 komanda işi

🇲🇽 trabajo en equipo