unitary

adjective

uni·​tary ˈyü-nə-ˌter-ē 

1

a

: of or relating to a unit

b

: based on or characterized by unity or units

2

: having the character of a unit : undivided, whole

unitarily

ˌyü-nə-ˈter-ə-lē 

adverb

Examples of unitary in a Sentence

the formation of a unitary state

Recent Examples on the Web

This question has a beautiful formulation called the unitary synthesis problem. —Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 17 Feb. 2026

Assemblymember Damon Connolly, a San Rafael Democrat, has introduced a unitary taxation bill. —Dan Walters, Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2026

Introducing the unitary executive theory Ronald Reagan’s administration is often described as the first to use the unitary executive theory to expand power. —Mikayla Bunnell, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026

The 1922 Lancia Lambda, for example, pioneered a unitary monocoque body inspired by a ocean-going ship’s hull. —New Atlas, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for unitary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

unitary

adjective

uni·​tary ˈyü-nə-ˌter-ē 

1

a

: of or relating to a unit

b

: based on or marked by unity or units

2

: having the character of a unit : whole

Legal Definition

unitary

adjective

uni·​tary ˈyü-nə-ˌter-ē 

1

: having the character of a single thing that is a constituent of a whole

specifically : of, relating to, or being a business with subsidiaries in other states or nations that has its state income tax figured by including the subsidiaries' income, determining the portion of that income attributable to activities within the state, and taxing that percentage

a unitary business operating throughout the U.S.

imposed a unitary tax on a multinational corporation

2

: marked by unity : not dual or segregated : integrated sense 3

a unitary school district

unitariness noun