Synergy

/ˈsɪnərɡi/

nounmedium📊CommonAbstract concept

Usage Pattern

40%Spoken
60%Written

Quick Memory Tip

Think of 'synchrony' and 'energy.' When things work in synchrony, the energy is amplified.

Definitions

1

Synergy

(noun)
medium

/ˈsɪnərɡi/

Abstract concept

The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.

The combined power that results when two or more things work together; the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

The project's success was due to the synergy between the different departments.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're building with LEGOs. Alone, you can build a small house. But when you and your friend combine your LEGOs and ideas, you can build a huge castle! That's synergy – working together to create something amazing.

👶 For kids: When two things work together to make something bigger or better than they could on their own, that's synergy!

More Examples

2

The company hopes to create synergy by acquiring its competitor.

3

The combined skills of the team members resulted in a powerful synergy.

How It's Used

Business

"The merger created a synergy that boosted profits significantly."

Science

"The synergy between the drug and the therapy resulted in a better outcome."

Teamwork

"When the team members worked together, there was a great synergy which resulted in a fantastic outcome."

From New Latin synergia, from Greek synergia ('cooperation'), from synergos ('working together'), from syn- ('together') + ergon ('work').

The term 'synergy' gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in business and management literature to describe the benefits of organizational cooperation.

Word Origin

LanguageGreek
Original Meaning

"cooperation or working together"

create synergyachieve synergybuild synergyteam synergystrong synergy

Avoid

sinergysynergisynergie