federation
gb/fˌɛdɚˈeɪʃən/ us/fˌɛdɚˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 4700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
entity
1
Union of states or groups
A group of states or organizations that join together under one main government but keep some control for themselves.
Usage pattern:
[a/an/the] federation of [states/organizations]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'federation' with 'federal government'. A federation is the whole union; a federal government is the central authority within it.
Synonyms
union (Often used for any joining together, but less specific about political structure.)
|
confederation (Similar, but usually looser association with more independence for members.)
Antonyms
separation (The act of splitting into independent parts, opposite of forming a federation.)
|
disunion (The breaking apart of a union or federation.)
Collocations
federation of states
|sports federation
|federal system
|member of the federation
|form a federation
Themes
politics
|government
|international relations
|law
Examples
- The Russian Federation consists of numerous republics and regions.
- Several small countries decided to form a federation to strengthen their defense.
- The sports federation oversees the rules and competitions for all member clubs.
- Canada is a federation made up of provinces and territories.
- The new constitution transformed the loose alliance into a formal federation.
Learner examples
- Canada is a federation of provinces.
- The federation has ten member states.
- They formed a federation to work together.
- The sports teams joined the national federation.
- Our country is part of a large federation.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Organized union of groups
A big organization made from smaller ones that work together.
Usage pattern:
[a/an/the] federation of [clubs/unions/groups]
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'federation' always means countries joining together, but it can also be for clubs or unions.
Synonyms
association (A general term for an organized group, not always made up of smaller organizations.)
|
alliance (A cooperative relationship that may be less formal than a federation.)
Antonyms
independence (Operating alone without being part of a larger organization.)
Collocations
workers' federation
|trade federation
|sports federation
|student federation
Themes
business
|sports
|nonprofits
|work
Examples
- The teachers' federation called for a strike next week.
- Several local unions formed a national federation to negotiate better wages.
- The chess federation organizes international tournaments.
- The student federation represents all campus clubs.
- The trade federation lobbies for industry-friendly laws.
Learner examples
- The workers' federation helps protect jobs.
- Our sports club joined the national federation.
- The student federation plans events for everyone.
- The trade federation speaks for many companies.
- The teachers formed a new federation.
Grammar
Dictionary form
federation
IPA
GB/fˌɛdɚˈeɪʃən/
US/fˌɛdɚˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
fed - er - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (er)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: federation
- Plural: federation, federations
Word family
Forms
federations
noun
Core family
federal
adjective B1
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
non-federal
adjective
unitary
adjective
Advanced or less common
Expressions
federation of states
1/fˌɛdɚˈeɪʃən əv stˈeɪts/
fixed phrase
Union of several states
A group of states that join together under one main government.
Examples
- The United States is a federation of states, each with its own laws.
- A new constitution created a strong federation of states across the region.
sports federation
1/spˈɔɹts fˌɛdɚˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Sports governing body
An organization that controls and manages sports events and rules.
Examples
- The international sports federation sets the rules for the competition.
- Each country has its own sports federation for different games.
trade federation
1/tɹˈeɪd fˌɛdɚˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Business alliance organization
A group of businesses or industries that work together to protect their shared interests.
Examples
- The trade federation met to discuss new import regulations.
- Membership in the trade federation helps small companies compete internationally.