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coalition

koh-uh-LISH-un /ˌkəʊ.əˈlɪʃ.ən/

nounC1GRESATIELTS

PoliticalFormal

A temporary alliance of distinct political parties, organizations, or interest groups united for joint action toward a shared goal.

Emphasizes temporary unity among separate entities who may disagree on other unrelated issues.

The story behind the word. Derived from Late Latin coalitio, combining co- ('together') and alescere ('to grow or nourish'). It entered political vocabulary in the 17th century to describe parliamentary factions growing together into a joint government body.

Word relationships

alliance: An alliance can be long-term and broad, while a coalition is often temporary and formed around a specific goal.

faction: A faction is a dissenting subgroup within an entity, whereas a coalition combines separate groups together.

Commonly confused with

merger: A merger permanently combines distinct organizations into one, while a coalition keeps members distinct while cooperating.

Word family

coalitionist (noun): A person who advocates forming or maintaining political coalitions

Collocations

form a coalition
broad coalition
coalition government
coalition partner

Idioms & expressions

build a coalition

Example sentences

"A broad coalition of environmental groups, labor unions, and local businesses backed the clean energy bill." Public policy analysis news report
"The non-governmental organizations formed an international coalition to advocate for the global ban on landmines." International relations treatise

Memory hook

COALITION brings distinct groups together to CO-ALESCE. Growing together for joint action.

When not to use

Do not use for a permanent commercial merger or a single unified political party.

Fun facts

In parliamentary democracies like Germany and New Zealand, coalition governments are the standard rule rather than the exception.