coordination
koh-or-di-NAY-shun
/koʊˌɔːrdɪˈneɪʃən/
The ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently, or the organized effort of a team.
In sports, this applies both to an individual's 'hand-eye coordination' and a team's 'tactical coordination' on the field.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'co-' (together) and 'ordinare' (to arrange). It literally means 'arranging things together' so they work as one.
Word relationships
- synchronization: Synchronization focuses specifically on timing, while coordination includes timing, movement, and spatial awareness.
- clumsiness: Clumsiness refers to a lack of physical grace or control.
Commonly confused with
- agility: Agility is the ability to move quickly and easily; coordination is the ability to move different parts in harmony.
Word family
- coordinate (verb): To bring the different elements of a complex activity into a relationship.
- coordinator (noun): A person who organizes a complex event or system.
Collocations
- hand-eye coordination
- lack of coordination
- team coordination
- motor coordination
Example sentences
- "Tennis players require exceptional hand-eye coordination to return serves at high speeds." Athletic training
- "The goal was a result of perfect coordination between the midfielders and the strikers." Team dynamics
Memory hook
Co- (together) + Order = Coordination. Keeping things in order together. Moving as one.
When not to use
Don't use it to mean 'cooperation' (which is just working together); coordination implies a precise, timed synchronization.
Fun facts
- Video games have been shown in some studies to improve hand-eye coordination in athletes.
Explore more words
coordinate, concerted, alignment, logistics, mobilize, orchestrate
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