unilaterally
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌjuːnɪˈlætərəli/
KK: /junɪˈlætərəli/
adverb
Definition
In a way that involves only one side or party, without agreement or cooperation from others.
Example
The company decided to unilaterally change the terms of the contract without consulting the employees.
Conversation
Did you hear that the company made changes to the policy unilaterally?
Yeah, I can't believe they did that without consulting anyone.
It really feels unfair when decisions are made unilaterally like that.
I agree! It would be better if they involved everyone in the discussion.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
independently
solely
unilaterally
Antonyms
mutually
jointly
collaboratively
Root Explanation
Unilaterally → It is formed from "uni-" (meaning one) and "lateralis" (from Latin, meaning side). The word "unilaterally" means in a manner that affects one side only or by one party without agreement from others.
Memory Tip
Think of 'one' ('uni-') side ('lateralis') acting alone — that's why unilaterally means doing something by one side.
Visually Confused Words
equilaterally
unliterally
bilaterally
laterally
multilaterally
trilaterally
quadrilaterally
unequilateral