coordination

noun

co·​or·​di·​na·​tion (ˌ)kō-ˌȯr-də-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the process of organizing people or groups so that they work together properly and well

2

: the harmonious functioning of parts for effective results

The game requires excellent hand-eye coordination.

Synonyms of coordination

• cooperation
• collaboration

Examples of coordination in a Sentence

The new agency will oversee the coordination of the various departments.

The manager is in charge of project coordination.

There needs to be better coordination between departments.

the coordination of our schedules

better coordination of the dancers' moves

Playing sports improves strength and coordination.

The illness causes a loss of coordination.

Recent Examples on the Web

While Iran’s coordination with and sponsorship of groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas are well known, Trump’s claims about Tehran’s ongoing development of nuclear weapons systems are less established — and the administration has provided little evidence to back them up. —Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026

Confronting Iran's malign regional activities, nuclear ambitions, and harsh oppression of the Iranian people demands American strength, resolve, regional coordination, and strategic clarity. —Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026

For Holly Jenkins-Livers, the center's CEO, the journey to opening the center started in 2022 and has involved mountains of paperwork, logistics, licensing and coordination. —Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Feb. 2026

The local architect Rob Michel, an expert in midcentury preservation, would in turn oversee the project, which grew into a herculean logistical challenge requiring the coordination of some 100 specialists. —Felix Wagner, Architectural Digest, 27 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin coordination-, coordinatio, from Latin co- + ordination-, ordinatio arrangement, from ordinare to arrange — more at ordain

First Known Use

circa 1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing coordination

• coordination complex
• coordination number
• hand-eye coordination
• in coordination with

Rhymes for coordination

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

Kids Definition

coordination

noun

co·​or·​di·​na·​tion (ˌ)kō-ˌȯrd-ᵊn-ˈā-shən 

1

: the act of coordinating

2

: smooth working together (as of parts)

good muscular coordination

Medical Definition

coordination

noun

co·​or·​di·​na·​tion (ˌ)kō-ˌȯrd-ᵊn-ˈā-shən 

1

: the act or action of coordinating

2

: the harmonious functioning of parts (as muscle and nerves) for most effective results