multilateral
gb/mˌʌltilˈætɚəl/ us/mˌʌltilˈætɚəl/
C1
English
~ 6400
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
C1
property
1
Involving several countries or parties
Describes an action, meeting, or agreement where three or more countries or groups work together.
Usage pattern:
a multilateral [agreement/meeting/organization]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "multilateral" with "international" and use it in any situation involving more than one country. "Multilateral" is usually used for formal cooperation, agreements, or systems that include three or more countries or parties, especially in politics and economics. It is not used for simple descriptions like "multilateral tourists" or "multilateral food."
Synonyms
international (Broader and more general; can refer to relations between just two countries, while "multilateral" highlights that several countries or parties are involved together, usually in a structured way.)
Antonyms
bilateral (Refers to something involving exactly two parties or countries, the opposite of arrangements involving three or more.)
Collocations
multilateral agreement
|multilateral trade
|multilateral negotiations
|multilateral institutions
|multilateral cooperation
|multilateral system
Themes
politics
|economics
|law
Examples
- The treaty aims to strengthen the multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization.
- Climate change is being addressed through multilateral agreements that include both rich and poor countries.
- They argued that global health crises require a strong multilateral response, not just national actions.
- Several small states joined a multilateral security pact to increase their collective safety.
- The minister stressed the importance of multilateral institutions in maintaining international peace.
Learner examples
- Many countries signed a multilateral agreement on climate change.
- The problem is too big for one nation, so they want a multilateral solution.
- A multilateral meeting was held at the United Nations.
- Multilateral trade talks can be slow because many countries must agree.
- The bank supports development through multilateral projects in different regions.
adjective
formal
C1
property
2
Involving several groups or sides
Describes something where many different groups or sides are included and take part together.
Usage pattern:
a multilateral [approach/dialogue/partnership]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse "multilateral" in everyday situations where a simpler phrase like "group" or "many people" is more natural, for example saying "a multilateral birthday party" instead of "a big birthday party". It is mainly used in formal contexts involving organizations, negotiations, or coordinated action.
Synonyms
multi-party (Often used in political or business contexts; similar in meaning, but "multilateral" tends to sound more formal and institutional.)
Antonyms
unilateral (Describes an action taken by only one side or group without involving others, which contrasts with the shared involvement implied by "multilateral.")
Collocations
multilateral partnership
|multilateral dialogue
|multilateral approach
|multilateral discussions
|multilateral cooperation
Themes
business
|social
|politics
|core_vocabulary
|relationships
Examples
- The city adopted a multilateral approach that involved schools, businesses, and community groups.
- A lasting peace will require multilateral dialogue between all sides in the conflict.
- The project succeeded because of multilateral cooperation among NGOs, local authorities, and international donors.
- They proposed a multilateral partnership to improve digital skills across the region.
- Effective cyber security demands multilateral discussions between governments, companies, and researchers.
Learner examples
- The company prefers a multilateral approach to problem-solving.
- There was a multilateral meeting with workers, managers, and customers.
- Multilateral cooperation helped the town recover after the flood.
- We need multilateral discussions that include parents, teachers, and students.
- A multilateral partnership can share costs and ideas.
Grammar
Dictionary form
multilateral
IPA
GB/mˌʌltilˈætɚəl/
US/mˌʌltilˈætɚəl/
Syllables & stress
mul - ti - lat - er - al (5 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (lat)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: multilateral
Word family
Core family
multilaterally
adverb
multilateralism
noun C1
Related words
bilateral
adjective C1
bilaterally
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
unilateral
adjective C1
unilaterally
adverb
Advanced or less common
multilateralist
noun
Expressions
multilateral agreement
1/mˌʌltilˈætɚəl əɡɹˈimənt/
fixed phrase
formal
Agreement between several parties
An official deal that three or more countries or groups sign and accept together.
Examples
- The multilateral agreement on nuclear safety was signed by over fifty countries.
- Negotiators worked late into the night to finalize a new multilateral agreement on digital trade.
multilateral institution
1/mˌʌltilˈætɚəl ˌɪnstɪtˈuʃən/
fixed phrase
formal
Organization of several countries
An official organization that many countries create and manage together.
Examples
- The World Bank is a major multilateral institution that supports development projects worldwide.
- They called for reform of multilateral institutions to reflect new global power balances.
multilateral negotiations
1/mˌʌltilˈætɚəl nɪɡˌoʊʃiˈeɪʃənz/
fixed phrase
formal
Talks involving several parties
Formal talks where three or more countries or groups try to reach an agreement together.
Examples
- The peace process moved to multilateral negotiations once all regional actors agreed to join.
- Multilateral negotiations are often slower because many sides must compromise.
multilateral trade
1/mˌʌltilˈætɚəl tɹˈeɪd/
fixed phrase
formal
Trade among several countries
Trade between many countries that follow common rules or agreements.
Examples
- The organization was created to promote open multilateral trade rather than separate bilateral deals.
- Some politicians argue that multilateral trade brings more stability to the global economy.