unilateral
/ˌjuːnɪˈlætrəl/ (bre, ipa) · [jˌunəlˈætɚəl] /ˌjuːnɪˈlætrəl/ (ame, ipa) · [jˌunəlˈætɚəl] /ˌyü-ni-ˈla-tə-rəl How to pronounce unilateral (audio) -ˈla-trəl/ (ame, mw)
unilateral — adjective
- unilateralpositive
- more unilateralcomparative
- most unilateralsuperlative
1. describes something done independently by a single person, organization, or nati
describes something done independently by a single person, organization, or nation — without seeking approval from other parties — or something whose effects are felt on just one side.
Noor made a unilateral choice about the wedding venue without consulting her partner.
collocation: unilateral + choice
The governor's unilateral order to close the beaches angered local business owners.
unilateral + order (formal authority context)
Japan's unilateral move to restrict semiconductor exports caught its neighbours off guard.
A unilateral ceasefire was declared by the rebel leader after weeks of fighting.
Beatrix felt the new office rules were unilateral and asked for a staff meeting.
- one-sided
more informal and broader; can imply bias, not just single-party action
- single-handed
emphasises one person acting alone; not used for groups or nations
- solitary
stresses being alone rather than the nature of a decision or policy
- bilateral
involving two parties agreeing together
- multilateral
involving many parties
- mutual
shared or done together by two or more parties
- joint
done by two or more people or groups together
文法句型
unilateral + decision / action / move / declaration
be + unilateral
用法筆記
Frequently modifies decision, action, move, and agreement. Often implies the action was taken without proper consultation and carries a critical tone.