coalition
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /kˌəʊəlˈɪʃən/
US
- /ˌkoʊəˈlɪʃən/
Description
- alliance
- partnership
- joining forces
- united front
- power-sharing bloc
Imagine a group of superheroes needing to defeat a villain too powerful for any one of them alone. They'd form a coalition—an alliance that unites their powers for a common goal. A coalition isn't necessarily about long-term friendship; it's about different groups or people coming together because they share a specific interest or need to achieve something. You might see political parties forming a coalition government after an election if no single party wins enough seats on its own, or environmental groups joining forces in a coalition to protect a forest. It's strength through unity!
A coalition is an alliance of different people or groups who come together for a shared purpose, even if they don't agree on everything else. Think of it like building with LEGO bricks—you might have pieces of many different colors and shapes representing diverse interests, but you combine them to create something bigger and stronger than any single piece could be on its own.
The word often appears in political contexts. When no single party gains a majority after an election, parties may form a coalition government by agreeing to work together and share power. This requires compromise and negotiation! However, coalitions aren't limited to politics. You might see a coalition of charities working to address homelessness, or a coalition of businesses lobbying for changes in regulations.
The key thing about a coalition is that it's usually formed around a specific issue or goal. Once that goal is achieved, the coalition may dissolve (though some last for years). It's not necessarily a permanent bond, but rather a strategic partnership built on shared interests. You might say, "A broad coalition of citizens protested the new law," highlighting how diverse groups united for a common cause.
So, when you hear about a coalition, remember it's about different forces joining together—not necessarily because they see eye-to-eye on everything, but because they recognize that working together is the best way to achieve something important.
Examples
- 1
Election
After the election, the two largest parties agreed to form a coalition.
- 2
Government
The coalition government collapsed after a budget dispute.
Phrase
coalition government
a government made up of two or more parties
- 3
Community campaign
A coalition of parents and teachers asked the city to keep the library open.
- 4
Political support
The mayor needs a broad coalition behind the plan if she wants it to pass.
Phrase
behind the plan
supporting the plan
- 5
Armed conflict
Several countries joined the coalition against the militant group.
Pattern
coalition against + opponent
a group working together to fight or oppose it
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- coalitionnoun
Forms
- coalitionspluralnoun