WordGarden.iointercommunication
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɪntəkəmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/
US
Meanings
Noun
reciprocal communication or exchange between people, groups, or systems
Beyond the definition
Imagine a network of friends all sharing stories and ideas - that is intercommunication in action. It is the flow of information, thoughts, or feelings between two or more people, groups, or parts of a system. Think of it as communication that links one side with another, often with some form of exchange. It helps people build relationships, solve problems, and work together. You might see the term in contexts such as relations between nations or communication between departments inside an organization.
Intercommunication refers to communication or the exchange of information, ideas, thoughts, feelings, or signals between two or more people, groups, systems, or parts. It highlights the link between one side and another rather than a message moving in only one direction.
The "inter-" prefix is key here - it means "between" or "among." While plain "communication" can sometimes describe a one-way act, this word usually points to communication across connected people, groups, or channels. A conversation between two teams is one example, but so is the sharing of messages between departments or systems.
Historically, the term often appeared in formal writing, especially in diplomatic, political, or organizational contexts, such as establishing contact between nations, offices, or opposing groups. Today, it still sounds somewhat formal, but it can also be used for communication within companies, between technical systems, or across communities.
It is helpful to distinguish it from "miscommunication," which means communication has gone wrong. Good intercommunication depends on clear messages and a real connection between the sides involved. So, when you hear this word, think not just of talking, but of contact and understanding flowing between people, groups, or parts of a larger whole.
Examples
- 1
Project teams
The project failed partly because there was little intercommunication between the design team and the engineers.
- 2
Healthcare
Better intercommunication among hospitals would help doctors share patient information faster.
- 3
Building system
The building uses an intercommunication system so staff at the front desk can speak to people in each room.
- Phrasean intercommunication system
equipment that lets people in different places talk to each other
See also
Similar
- mutual communication
- exchange
- interaction
Shades of meaning
- correspondence
- dialogue
- interchange
Contrast
- isolation
- one-way communication
Used with (collocations)
- intercommunication between groups
- intercommunication among departments
- channels of intercommunication
Word family
- intercommunicate
- intercommunicating
Explore
- feedback loop
- information flow
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- intercommunicationnoun