Unilateral
/ˌjuːnɪˈlætərəl/
Definitions
Relating to, or done by, one side or party only; not involving other parties.
/ˌjuːnɪˈlætərəl/
Involving or done by only one side or party.
The government took unilateral action to impose new tariffs.
💡 Simply: Imagine you and your friend are trying to decide where to go for dinner. If you decide all on your own, without asking your friend, that's like a unilateral decision. It's when only one person or group makes a choice or takes an action, without involving others.
👶 For kids: When only one person or group makes a choice or does something, it's called unilateral.
More Examples
The company made a unilateral decision to close the factory.
The negotiations failed because of the country's unilateral demands.
How It's Used
"The country made a unilateral decision to withdraw from the treaty."
"The company's unilateral actions caused a significant loss for its partners."
"A unilateral contract involves a promise by one party in exchange for an action by the other."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From Late Latin *unilateralis*, from *uni-* 'one' + *latus* 'side' + *-alis* '-al'. Originally used in legal and political contexts to describe actions taken by one side or party.
The term gained prominence in the 20th century, especially in discussions of international relations and the Cold War.
Memory tip
Think of 'uni' (one) and 'lateral' (side). A unilateral decision is made by one side.
Word Origin
"uni- (one) + latus (side) + -al (suffix forming adjectives)"