Coalition

/ˌkoʊəˈlɪʃən/

nounIntermediateCommonGeneral

Definitions

1

A temporary alliance of different groups for a common purpose.

/ˌkoʊəˈlɪʃən/

nounneutralIntermediate
General

A temporary alliance of distinct parties, people, or states.

The opposition parties formed a coalition to challenge the ruling government.

💡 Simply: Imagine several teams joining forces for a big project! That's a coalition – different people working together to achieve something.

👶 For kids: It's like when different groups of kids team up to build a giant sandcastle!

More Examples

2

A broad coalition of environmental groups supported the new climate legislation.

How It's Used

Politics

"A coalition government was formed after the election resulted in no single party winning a majority."

International Relations

"A coalition of nations joined forces to address the humanitarian crisis."

From Middle French *coalicion, from Latin *coalitionem (nominative coalitio), from coalescēre "to grow together", from co- "together" + alescere "to grow, nourish".

The word's usage has increased significantly in the context of political alliances since the 20th century.

Memory tip

Think 'co-operation' - a coalition is a coming together for a shared goal.

coalitioncoalision

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written