unity

noun

uni·​ty ˈyü-nə-tē 

plural unities

1

a

: the quality or state of not being multiple : oneness

b(1)

: a definite amount taken as one or for which 1 is made to stand in calculation

in a table of natural sines the radius of the circle is regarded as unity

(2)

: identity element

2

a

: a condition of harmony : accord

b

: continuity without deviation or change (as in purpose or action)

3

a

: the quality or state of being made one : unification

b

: a combination or ordering of parts in a literary or artistic production that constitutes a whole or promotes an undivided total effect

also : the resulting singleness of effect or symmetry and consistency of style and character

4

: a totality of related parts : an entity that is a complex or systematic whole

5

: any of three principles of dramatic structure derived by French classicists from Aristotle's Poetics and requiring a play to have a single action represented as occurring in one place and within one day

6

capitalized : a 20th century American religious movement that emphasizes spiritual sources of health and prosperity

Synonyms

• symmetry
• harmony
• proportion
• orchestration
• balance

Examples of unity in a Sentence

a sense of national unity

there's an aesthetic unity to the sculpture garden that makes it an ideal spot for quiet relaxing

Recent Examples on the Web

The film, directed by designer Alexis Bittar and produced by Oscar winner Bruce Cohen and Bittar, examines how the flag can be reclaimed as a symbol of unity for all Americans, with a focus on the LGBTQ community. —Marc Malkin, Variety, 1 July 2025

Dicey intonation in the final chorus and Mandane’s second-act aria aside, the group’s unity and expression was impressive, from exactly seesawing strings to Brandon Acker’s bleak, mournful lute under Artaserse’s first-act lament. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025

The leaders of Iran can no longer claim to inspire unity at home or fear abroad. —Shukriya Bradost, The Conversation, 28 June 2025

While Iranians demonstrated unity against the unprecedented Israeli and U.S. strikes, the war raised urgent questions about the regime’s survival and Iran’s evolution. —Sanam Vakil, Time, 26 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English unite, from Anglo-French unité, from Latin unitat-, unitas, from unus one — more at one

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for unity

• munity
• autoimmunity
• importunity
• opportunity
• community
• disunity
• immunity
• impunity

Kids Definition

unity

noun

uni·​ty ˈyü-nət-ē 

plural unities

1

: the quality or state of being one

2

: the state of those that are in full agreement : harmony

3

a

: a mathematical quantity or combination of quantities treated as equivalent to one in a calculation

called the distance between earth and the sun unity and calculated other distances as multiples

b

: identity element

4

: the combination or arrangement of parts in a work of art or literature that produces a total effect

Legal Definition

unity

noun

uni·​ty ˈyü-nə-tē 

plural unities

1

: the quality or state of not being multiple : the quality or state of being one, single, whole, or the same

only if there is unity of ownership of the immovable and movables

2

: an aspect (as time, title, interest, or possession) of a joint tenancy that must be identical as it relates to the cotenants

such a conveyance severs the joint tenancy by removing the unities of time and title

Note: At common law, all four unities were required to be present for a joint tenancy. Conveying the interests of the cotenants at the same time creates the unity of time. Conveying the interests of the cotenants in the same instrument creates the unity of title. Conveying the same interest (as fee simple absolute) to the cotenants creates the unity of interest. Conveying a common right of possession or enjoyment creates the unity of possession.