unilateralism

noun

uni·​lat·​er·​al·​ism ˌyü-ni-ˈla-t(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm 

: a policy of taking unilateral action (as in international affairs) regardless of outside support or reciprocity

also : advocacy of such a policy

unilateralist

ˌyü-ni-ˈla-t(ə-)rə-list 

noun or adjective

Examples of unilateralism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

European politicians said Trump’s unilateralism over Greenland, and his treatment of long-standing allies, was playing into Moscow and Beijing’s hands. —Tim Lister, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026

Unpredictability and unilateralism are not desirable traits for a superpower with the second-largest stockpile of nuclear weapons. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 Jan. 2026

In 2021, senators Mike Lee, Bernie Sanders and Chris Murphy collectively got together and tried to create a national security document that would restrain presidential unilateralism. —Sarah Burns, The Conversation, 3 Jan. 2026

What To Know In a detailed interview with the Islamic Republic News Agency, Velayati highlighted Russia and China as examples of countries countering U.S. unilateralism, citing Moscow's resurgence under President Vladimir Putin and Beijing's rapid economic growth and strategic independence. —MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unilateralism

• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism
• colonialism
• consequentialism
• contextualism
• conventionalism