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synergy

SIN-er-jee /ˈsɪnərdʒi/

nounC2GRE

formalbusiness

The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.

Emphasizes a multiplicative effect where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, often implying a highly effective and complementary combination.

The story behind the word. The word 'synergy' comes from the Greek 'synergia,' meaning 'working together.' It's a combination of 'syn-' (meaning 'together' or 'with') and 'ergon' (meaning 'work'). So, it literally means 'working together.' The concept gained prominence in biology and medicine in the 17th century to describe the combined action of agents, and later in business and management in the 20th century to denote a combined effect that is greater than the sum of individual efforts.

Word relationships

collaboration: The act of working together; synergy is the result of highly effective collaboration where the outcome is greater than expected.
cooperation: Working together towards a common goal; synergy implies a more profound, mutually enhancing interaction.
confluence: The act or process of merging; often refers to a meeting of things (like rivers or ideas), while synergy implies a productive interaction.

dissonance: Lack of harmony or agreement.
conflict: A serious disagreement or argument.

Commonly confused with

sum: A sum is a simple addition of parts; synergy is when the combined effect is greater than a simple sum.

Word family

synergistic (adjective): Relating to or characterized by synergy; working together to produce an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects.

Collocations

create synergy
achieve synergy
powerful synergy
true synergy
synergy effect

Example sentences

"The merger of the two tech companies created a powerful synergy, combining their unique strengths to dominate the market." Describing a successful business merger.
"When a diverse team truly clicks, you can observe a remarkable synergy, where individual talents amplify each other's contributions." Discussing team dynamics.

Memory hook

SYNERGY is when 'SYN' (together) 'ENERGY' creates more than expected. Together energy

When not to use

Avoid using 'synergy' for simple addition or cooperation where the combined effect is merely the sum of individual efforts. It implies a unique, enhanced outcome.

Fun facts

The term 'synergy' is often used in business contexts, sometimes to the point of becoming a cliché, to describe the benefits of mergers, acquisitions, or team projects.
In medicine, synergy refers to the interaction of drugs or other substances such that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects, such as antibiotics working together.