Unilateral vs. Bilateral — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on September 21, 2023
Unilateral pertains to one side or party, while Bilateral involves two sides or parties. Unilateral decisions are made by one entity; Bilateral agreements involve mutual consent of two entities.
Difference Between Unilateral and Bilateral
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Unilateral" is derived from the Latin word "unus," meaning "one." When we speak of unilateral actions or decisions, it signifies that they are undertaken by one party without the explicit consent or involvement of another. These actions are often independent and based solely on the discretion of the decision-maker.
On the other hand, "Bilateral" originates from the Latin word "bis," meaning "twice." Bilateral involves two distinct parties. In contexts like diplomacy or trade, bilateral agreements or treaties indicate mutual understanding and consent between the two involved entities.
Unilateral decisions or actions can be swift as they do not require consensus. For example, a country may take a unilateral decision to impose sanctions. Such decisions, while quick, might not always consider the perspectives of all affected parties.
Bilateral actions, agreements, or discussions tend to be collaborative. They often take longer due to negotiations but can lead to more comprehensive and mutually beneficial outcomes. Bilateral treaties, for instance, are crafted after discussions between the two countries involved.
In essence, while unilateral emphasizes independence and decision-making by a single party, bilateral underscores collaboration and mutual agreement between two parties.
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Comparison Chart
Parties Involved
One
Two
Consent
From a single party
Mutual from both parties
Origin
Latin "unus" for "one"
Latin "bis" for "twice"
Decision-making
Faster, no consensus needed
Often slower, requires negotiations
Examples
Unilateral sanctions, one-sided decisions
Bilateral agreements, mutual treaties
Compare with Definitions
Unilateral
Pertaining to one side or party.
The country's unilateral decision surprised many.
Bilateral
Pertaining to both the left and right side.
The bilateral hearing loss was concerning.
Unilateral
Independent in action or decision.
The company's unilateral policies were criticized.
Bilateral
Involving two sides or parties.
The bilateral agreement benefitted both nations.
Unilateral
Of, on, relating to, involving, or affecting only one side
"a unilateral advantage in defense" (New Republic).
Bilateral
Having two identical or corresponding sides.
The butterfly has a bilateral symmetry.
Unilateral
Performed or undertaken by only one side
Unilateral disarmament.
Bilateral
Mutual or reciprocal.
They had a bilateral understanding of the terms.
Unilateral
Obligating only one of two or more parties, nations, or persons, as a contract or an agreement.
Bilateral
Having or formed of two sides; two-sided.
Unilateral
Emphasizing or recognizing only one side of a subject.
Bilateral
Affecting or undertaken by two sides equally; binding on both parties
A bilateral agreement.
Bilateral negotiations.
Unilateral
Having only one side.
Bilateral
Relating to both the right and the left side of the body or of a body structure
Bilateral mastectomy.
Unilateral
Tracing the lineage of one parent only
A unilateral genealogy.
Bilateral
Having or marked by bilateral symmetry.
Unilateral
(Botany) Having leaves, flowers, or other parts on one side only.
Bilateral
Having two sides.
Unilateral
Done by one side only.
Bilateral
Involving both sides equally.
Unilateral
Affecting only one side of the body.
Bilateral
(of an agreement) Binding on both of the two parties involved.
Unilateral
Binding or affecting one party only.
Bilateral
Having bilateral symmetry.
Unilateral
Being on one side only; affecting but one side; one-sided.
Bilateral
(anthropology) Involving descent or ascent regardless of sex and side of the family.
Unilateral
Pertaining to one side; one-sided; as, a unilateral raceme, in which the flowers grow only on one side of a common axis, or are all turned to one side.
Bilateral
A meeting between two people or groups.
Unilateral
Involving only one part or side;
Unilateral paralysis
A unilateral decision
Bilateral
Having two sides; arranged upon two sides; affecting two sides or two parties.
Unilateral
Tracing descent from either the paternal or the maternal line only
Bilateral
Of or pertaining to the two sides of a central area or organ, or of a central axis; as, bilateral symmetry in animals, where there is a similarity of parts on the right and left sides of the body.
Unilateral
Undertaken by one entity without others.
She made a unilateral move in the chess game.
Bilateral
Having identical parts on each side of an axis
Unilateral
Affecting one side of something.
The patient has unilateral pain in the left leg.
Bilateral
Involving only one part or side;
Unilateral paralysis
A unilateral decision
Unilateral
Not mutual or reciprocal.
The unilateral declaration was unexpected.
Bilateral
Affecting or undertaken by two parties;
A bilateral agreement between the United States and Japan
Bilateral
Undertaken by two parties.
Bilateral negotiations took weeks to conclude.
Common Curiosities
How many parties are involved in a bilateral agreement?
Bilateral agreements involve two parties.
Are bilateral actions always collaborative?
Yes, bilateral actions typically involve collaboration and mutual consent between two parties.
Is a unilateral treaty possible?
No, treaties are typically bilateral or multilateral as they involve agreements between multiple parties.
Can a unilateral decision involve negotiations?
Typically, unilateral decisions are made without negotiations since they are decided by one party.
What does "Unilateral" primarily refer to?
Unilateral pertains to actions or decisions made by one side or party.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
