coalition
koh-uh-LIHSH-uhn
Coalition (noun) means a temporary alliance of groups or parties formed for a shared goal. Example: “The two parties formed a coalition to form a government.”
noun
1
A temporary alliance of groups or parties formed for a shared goal.
"The two parties formed a coalition to form a government."
"A coalition of charities campaigned for the new law."
"Local shops joined in a coalition to save the old market hall."
How to use coalition
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA group formed by joining forces, usually political parties or organizations working toward a common aim.
Common pairings
form a coalition
coalition government
a coalition of
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Word forms
- Plural
- coalitions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The two parties formed a _____ to form a government.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin coalitio, related to Latin coalitus, "grown together" — the same root as coalesce.
Synonyms
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alliance
bloc
union
league
federation
confederation
coalescency
coalescence
concretion
conglutination
alinement
alignment
Related words
Rhymes for coalition
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for coalition →
Frequently asked questions
What does “coalition” mean?
The word “coalition” means a temporary alliance of groups or parties formed for a shared goal. In plain terms, a group formed by joining forces, usually political parties or organizations working toward a common aim.
How do you pronounce “coalition”?
“Coalition” is pronounced koh-uh-LIHSH-uhn (/koʊ.əˈlɪʃ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “coalition” in a sentence?
Here is “coalition” used in a sentence: “The two parties formed a coalition to form a government.”
What part of speech is “coalition”?
“Coalition” is a noun.
Where does the word “coalition” come from?
The word “coalition” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin coalitio, related to Latin coalitus, "grown together" — the same root as coalesce.
Is “coalition” a common word?
“Coalition” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a 'coalition' and an 'alliance'?
Both involve groups working together, but a coalition is usually temporary and formed around a specific shared goal. An alliance often suggests a longer-term or more formal bond, so a coalition can dissolve once its immediate purpose is achieved.
What is a 'coalition government'?
A coalition government is formed when no single party wins enough seats to govern alone, so two or more parties join forces to hold a majority. This is a direct application of coalition as a temporary alliance of parties formed for a shared goal, in this case running the country.
What is the difference between a coalition and a merger?
A merger combines separate groups or companies into a single permanent entity. A coalition keeps its members distinct and is a temporary alliance for a shared aim, so the partners remain independent and can go their separate ways afterwards.
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