Unilateral Meaning in English

word

US

ˌjunəˈɫætɝəɫ

yoo-nuh-LAT-uh-ruhl

UK

jˌuːnɪlˈætəɹəl

yoo-nil-AT-uh-ruhl

Definition

Involving or affecting only one side, person, group, or country, without the agreement or participation of others.

Usage & Nuances

'Unilateral' is formal and often used in legal, diplomatic, or medical contexts, for example 'unilateral decision', 'unilateral action', or 'unilateral paralysis.' It emphasizes that something is done or happens on one side or by one party only, not cooperatively.

• Spanish: unilateral
• Portuguese (BR): unilateral
• Portuguese (PT): unilateral
• Chinese (Simplified): 单方面的
• Chinese (Traditional): 單方面的
• Hindi: एकतरफ़ा
• Arabic: أحادي الجانب
• Bengali: একতরফা
• Russian: односторонний
• Japanese: 一方的な
• Vietnamese: đơn phương
• Korean: 일방적인
• Turkish: tek taraflı
• Urdu: یک طرفہ
• Indonesian: sepihak

Example Sentences

The company made a unilateral change to the contract.

basic

She decided on a unilateral solution without asking the team.

basic

The patient has unilateral hearing loss.

basic

They took unilateral action without waiting for approval.

natural

Making a unilateral decision often leads to conflict.

natural

The president announced a unilateral withdrawal of troops.

natural