Unilaterial vs. Unilateral — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 2, 2024
"Unilaterial" is an incorrect spelling. The correct term is "Unilateral," referring to one side or party only.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Unilaterial or Unilateral
How to spell Unilateral?
Unilaterial
Incorrect Spelling
Unilateral
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
"Lateral" has one 'i', not two.
Recall "uni" meaning "one" and "lateral" meaning "side."
Associate "unilateral" with one-sided decisions or actions.
Visualize "Uni" (one) + "Lateral" (side).
Connect to "bilateral" which relates to two sides, where "bi" is two.
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How Do You Spell Unilateral Correctly?
Incorrect: The decision was made on a unilaterial basis without consultation.
Correct: The decision was made on a unilateral basis without consultation.
Incorrect: Their unilaterial action caused tension among the allies.
Correct: Their unilateral action caused tension among the allies.
Incorrect: She made a unilaterial decision to move the company forward.
Correct: She made a unilateral decision to move the company forward.
Incorrect: He took a unilaterial approach to the problem.
Correct: He took a unilateral approach to the problem.
Incorrect: The government's unilaterial policy on immigration was controversial.
Correct: The government's unilateral policy on immigration was controversial.
Unilateral Definitions
Done by one party without the agreement of others.
The country made a unilateral declaration.
Independent; not mutual.
A unilateral guarantee was provided.
Undone by or active on one side only.
The team made a unilateral move in the negotiations.
Pertaining to or affecting one side only.
A unilateral decision was made by the manager.
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.
Done by one side only.
Affecting only one side of the body.
Binding or affecting one party only.
Being on one side only; affecting but one side; one-sided.
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.
Involving only one part or side;
Unilateral paralysis
A unilateral decision
Tracing descent from either the paternal or the maternal line only
Relating to one side of a subject or area.
There was unilateral pain in his left arm.
Unilateral Meaning in a Sentence
The treaty was terminated through a unilateral declaration.
Unilateral exercises focus on one side of the body at a time.
The CEO's unilateral changes to the company's policy sparked debate.
A unilateral decision often excludes the opinions of others.
The government faced criticism for its unilateral changes to healthcare.
A unilateral promise is binding on the person who makes the promise but not on the one who accepts it.
In law, unilateral contracts involve an action undertaken by one party only.
Unilateral military action can lead to international disputes.
He prefers a unilateral approach when making executive decisions.
The unilateral withdrawal from the agreement surprised many.
The company's unilateral implementation of new work policies was met with resistance.
Unilateral sanctions were imposed by the country without the support of its allies.
Unilateral disarmament is a contentious issue in international relations.
The director's unilateral approach to management was criticized for lacking inclusivity.
The policy was adopted through a unilateral decision, bypassing the usual legislative process.
Unilateral actions in a partnership can lead to conflicts.
Her unilateral decision to cancel the project was unexpected.
Implementing unilateral tariffs can escalate trade wars.
Unilateral declarations of independence are rare and often controversial.
In the context of negotiations, a unilateral concession can be a strategic move.
Unilateral Idioms & Phrases
Unilateral disarmament
The act of one country voluntarily reducing or eliminating its weapons without requiring other countries to do the same.
The debate on unilateral disarmament revolves around its impact on national security.
Unilateral declaration
A statement or announcement made by one party without the consent of others.
The country's unilateral declaration of independence sparked international debate.
Unilateral action
An action taken by one country or party without the agreement of others.
The unilateral action taken by the state in environmental regulation set a precedent.
Unilateral sanctions
Economic or political penalties imposed by one country on another without the support of international bodies.
The unilateral sanctions were aimed at pressing the government to change its policies.
Unilateral agreement
An agreement that obligates only one party in a transaction.
The unilateral agreement required him to complete the work without guaranteeing payment.
Unilateral decision
A decision made by one party without the agreement or consultation of others.
The manager's unilateral decision to relocate the office was met with mixed reactions.
Common Curiosities
Which vowel is used before Unilateral?
"A" as in "a unilateral decision."
What is the pronunciation of Unilateral?
Pronounced as "yoo-ni-LAT-er-ul."
What is the verb form of Unilateral?
There isn't a direct verb form for "unilateral."
What is the singular form of Unilateral?
"Unilateral."
Which conjunction is used with Unilateral?
No specific conjunction is tied solely to "Unilateral."
Why is it called Unilateral?
It's derived from "uni-" meaning one and "lateral" meaning side, indicating one-sidedness.
What is the root word of Unilateral?
"Lateral."
Is Unilateral a negative or positive word?
Neutral, but may be seen as negative when referring to decisions made without consensus.
Which preposition is used with Unilateral?
"By" as in "by unilateral agreement."
What is the plural form of Unilateral?
"Unilaterals."
Is Unilateral an abstract noun?
No.
Which article is used with Unilateral?
"A."
Is Unilateral a vowel or consonant?
"Unilateral" is a word, containing both vowels and consonants.
Is Unilateral an adverb?
No.
Is Unilateral a collective noun?
No.
Is the word Unilateral imperative?
No.
Is the word “Unilateral” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Neither; it's an adjective.
What is the opposite of Unilateral?
Bilateral.
What is the first form of Unilateral?
"Unilateral" is an adjective and doesn't have verb forms.
Which determiner is used with Unilateral?
"This" as in "this unilateral approach."
Is the word Unilateral a Gerund?
No.
What is another term for Unilateral?
One-sided.
Is Unilateral a countable noun?
No, it's an adjective.
What is a stressed syllable in Unilateral?
The third syllable, "lat."
What part of speech is Unilateral?
Adjective.
What is the third form of Unilateral?
"Unilateral" doesn't have verb forms.
Is Unilateral a noun or adjective?
Adjective.
Is the Unilateral term a metaphor?
No.
How many syllables are in Unilateral?
Five syllables.
How do we divide Unilateral into syllables?
U-ni-lat-er-al.
What is the second form of Unilateral?
"Unilateral" doesn't have verb forms.
How is Unilateral used in a sentence?
"The treaty was a unilateral decision made without consulting the other nations."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited 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.
