cooperation

noun

co·​op·​er·​a·​tion (ˌ)kō-ˌä-pə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the actions of someone who is being helpful by doing what is wanted or asked for : common effort

We are asking for your full cooperation.

2

: association of persons for common benefit

established trade and economic cooperations

cooperationist

(ˌ)kō-ˌä-pə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nist 

noun

Synonyms of cooperation

• partnership
• collaboration
• association
• relationship
• affiliation

Examples of cooperation in a Sentence

The report cited a lack of cooperation between state and local officials.

Thank you for your cooperation.

We are asking for your full cooperation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Last year, Canada signed a defense cooperation agreement with the European Union and negotiated a pact that allowed Canadian defense firms to tap into the EU’s $170 billion loan program meant to spur military modernization. —Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026

All six of the appropriations bills need to pass a 60-vote threshold, which requires cooperation from both parties. —Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 27 Jan. 2026

Authorities credited years of investigative work and cooperation among local, state, federal and international agencies with bringing the case to a close. —Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026

That system refers to decades of trade, security and financial cooperation built after World War II. —Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see cooperate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cooperation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

cooperation

noun

co·​op·​er·​a·​tion kō-ˌäp-ə-ˈrā-shən 

: the act or process of cooperating