Unilaterially vs. Unilaterally: Mastering the Correct Spelling
By Janet White || Updated on March 8, 2024
"Unilaterially" is incorrectly spelled. The correct spelling is "unilaterally," meaning done or undertaken by one side independently of others.
Which is correct: Unilaterially or Unilaterally
How to spell Unilaterally?
Unilaterially is Incorrect
Unilaterally is Correct
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Key Differences
Think of "uni" as in "unicycle," which has one wheel, relating to one-sided actions.
Associate "unilaterally" with "uni-" for "one" and "lateral" for "side."
Remember "uni" (one) + "lateral" (side) + "ly" (manner) forms "unilaterally."
Use the mnemonic i.e. "One side only, that's unilaterally."
Note that "unilateral" is the base word for "unilaterally," emphasizing the "later" part.
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Correct usage of Unilaterally
The policy was adopted unilaterially, causing some controversy.
The policy was adopted unilaterally, causing some controversy.
The country decided to act unilaterially without consulting others.
The country decided to act unilaterally without consulting others.
He unilaterially terminated the agreement.
He unilaterally terminated the agreement.
The decision was made unilaterially by the manager.
The decision was made unilaterally by the manager.
They unilaterially changed the terms of the contract.
They unilaterally changed the terms of the contract.
Unilaterally Definitions
Independently decided or carried out by one entity.
The company unilaterally changed its policies.
Pertaining to actions done by one country without others' consent.
The nation unilaterally withdrew from the treaty.
Acting or occurring on one side alone.
She unilaterally decided to move out of the city.
Involving only one side or group.
He unilaterally decided to terminate the contract.
Done by one party without the agreement of others.
The government unilaterally imposed new trade sanctions.
Of, on, relating to, involving, or affecting only one side
"a unilateral advantage in defense" (New Republic).
Performed or undertaken by only one side
Unilateral disarmament.
Obligating only one of two or more parties, nations, or persons, as a contract or an agreement.
Emphasizing or recognizing only one side of a subject.
Having only one side.
Tracing the lineage of one parent only
A unilateral genealogy.
(Botany) Having leaves, flowers, or other parts on one side only.
In a unilateral or one-sided way.
In a unilateral manner;
They worked out an agreement unilaterally
Unilaterally Sentences
The government unilaterally imposed new trade restrictions.
The CEO unilaterally introduced a new company policy.
The board was upset by the unilateral decision of the chairman.
The company unilaterally updated its privacy policy.
She unilaterally decided to move the meeting to Friday.
Unilaterally altering the deal angered the other party.
The teacher unilaterally changed the syllabus mid-semester.
The manager unilaterally decided to close the office early.
The country unilaterally withdrew from the international agreement.
Unilaterally increasing the fees led to student protests.
She unilaterally chose the destination for their vacation.
He unilaterally decided to cancel the project, surprising everyone.
The director unilaterally altered the script without consulting the writer.
The administration unilaterally cut funding to the program.
Unilaterally deciding not to participate in the event was unexpected.
The principal unilaterally decided to enforce a new dress code.
The mayor unilaterally announced the construction of a new park.
The committee chairman unilaterally postponed the meeting indefinitely.
Unilaterally changing the terms of use led to a backlash from users.
Unilaterally implementing new rules can cause dissent.
The president unilaterally pardoned several prisoners.
The leader unilaterally declared a state of emergency.
Parents were concerned about the school's unilateral changes to the curriculum.
The company unilaterally terminated contracts with several suppliers.
The department head unilaterally set new performance metrics.
Unilaterally Idioms & Phrases
Unilaterally move the goalposts
To change the criteria or rules without agreement from others.
The project leader unilaterally moved the goalposts, frustrating the team.
Unilaterally play judge and jury
To make a decision or judgment without consulting others.
The committee chair unilaterally played judge and jury on the dispute.
Unilaterally seal the deal
To finalize an agreement or decision without others' approval.
The CEO unilaterally sealed the deal, leaving the board out of the loop.
Unilaterally cross the Rubicon
To take an irreversible step or decision on one’s own.
By unilaterally launching the product, they crossed the Rubicon and committed to the market.
Unilaterally break new ground
To pioneer or introduce new methods or ideas independently.
The scientist unilaterally broke new ground with her research.
Unilaterally open Pandora’s box
To initiate a complex situation or series of problems without consensus.
By unilaterally changing the policy, they opened Pandora’s box of legal issues.
Unilaterally set the stage
To establish conditions or set up a situation single-handedly.
She unilaterally set the stage for the negotiations, dictating all the terms.
Unilaterally throw in the towel
To give up or concede defeat without consulting others.
The team captain unilaterally threw in the towel, surprising his teammates.
Unilaterally burn bridges
To damage relationships or potential agreements by acting alone.
By unilaterally making that decision, they burned bridges with their partners.
Unilaterally raise the white flag
To surrender or give up without consulting allies or colleagues.
Facing insurmountable challenges, he unilaterally raised the white flag.
Unilaterally change the tune
To alter one’s position or opinion without discussion.
After the backlash, the company unilaterally changed its tune on the policy.
Unilaterally hold the reins
To take control or lead without sharing power or decision-making.
He unilaterally held the reins, making all the strategic decisions.
Unilaterally clear the air
To attempt to resolve misunderstandings or conflicts without seeking others’ input.
He tried to unilaterally clear the air, but it only made matters worse.
Unilaterally push the envelope
To extend the limits or boundaries without consensus.
The marketing director unilaterally pushed the envelope with the controversial campaign.
Unilaterally sweep under the rug
To hide or ignore problems without consulting others.
The issue was unilaterally swept under the rug, only to resurface later.
Unilaterally turn the tables
To change the direction or outcome of a situation by oneself.
With that unilateral decision, they turned the tables on their competitors.
Unilaterally cut corners
To reduce efforts or take shortcuts without agreement.
To meet the deadline, the manager unilaterally cut corners, compromising quality.
Unilaterally rock the boat
To cause disturbances or issues by making decisions alone.
Her decision to unilaterally implement changes rocked the boat within the organization.
Unilaterally call the shots
To make decisions or control a situation without input from others.
In the negotiation, it was clear he was unilaterally calling the shots.
Unilaterally tip the scales
To influence the outcome or balance of a situation single-handedly.
His unilateral actions tipped the scales in favor of the merger.
FAQs
Which vowel is used before unilaterally?
Typically, "an" is used before "unilaterally."
What is the verb form of unilaterally?
The verb form would be "act unilaterally."
What is the pronunciation of unilaterally?
Unilaterally is pronounced as /ˌjuːnɪˈlætərəli/.
What is the plural form of unilaterally?
As an adverb, "unilaterally" does not have a plural form.
What is the root word of unilaterally?
The root word is "unilateral."
Why is it called unilaterally?
It's called "unilaterally" from Latin roots: "uni-" meaning one and "lateral" meaning side.
Which conjunction is used with unilaterally?
Conjunctions like "and," "but," or "or" can be used with "unilaterally."
Is unilaterally a noun or adjective?
"Unilaterally" is an adverb.
What is the third form of unilaterally?
It does not have a third form.
Which preposition is used with unilaterally?
Prepositions like "by" or "from" are used with "unilaterally."
Is unilaterally an abstract noun?
"Unilaterally" is an adverb, not a noun.
Is unilaterally a negative or positive word?
"Unilaterally" is neutral, but context can give it a positive or negative connotation.
What is a stressed syllable in unilaterally?
The stressed syllable in "unilaterally" is "lat": u-ni-LAT-er-al-ly.
What is another term for unilaterally?
Another term could be "solo" or "independently."
What is the singular form of unilaterally?
"Unilaterally" is an adverb and does not have a singular form.
Is unilaterally a collective noun?
No, it is not a collective noun.
What part of speech is unilaterally?
"Unilaterally" is an adverb.
Which determiner is used with unilaterally?
Determiners are not typically used with "unilaterally."
What is the second form of unilaterally?
It does not have a second form.
Which article is used with unilaterally?
Articles are not typically used directly with "unilaterally."
Is unilaterally a vowel or consonant?
"Unilaterally" is a word, not a vowel or consonant.
Is unilaterally a countable noun?
"Unilaterally" is an adverb, not a countable noun.
Is the unilaterally term a metaphor?
"Unilaterally" can be used metaphorically, but it is primarily a literal term.
Is unilaterally an adverb?
Yes, "unilaterally" is an adverb.
Is the word unilaterally imperative?
"Unilaterally" can be used in imperative sentences but is not imperative itself.
How many syllables are in unilaterally?
"Unilaterally" has five syllables.
What is the opposite of unilaterally?
The opposite could be "jointly" or "bilaterally."
What is the first form of unilaterally?
As an adverb, "unilaterally" does not have different forms.
How is unilaterally used in a sentence?
"The CEO unilaterally decided to shift the company's focus to renewable energy."
How do we divide unilaterally into syllables?
"Unilaterally" is divided as U-ni-lat-er-al-ly.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
