partnership
gb/pˈɑɹtnɚʃˌɪp/ us/pˈɑɹtnɚʃˌɪp/
B1
English
~ 2300
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
relation
1
formal relationship for shared goal
A formal relationship where two or more people or groups work together for the same goal.
Usage pattern:
[someone] forms/enters into a partnership with [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'partnership' with 'friendship'; 'partnership' is usually formal and goal-oriented, not just personal liking.
Synonyms
alliance (Often used for agreements between organizations or countries, sometimes less legally binding than 'partnership'.)
|
collaboration (Focuses more on the act of working together rather than the formal agreement.)
Antonyms
rivalry (Emphasizes competition instead of cooperation.)
|
separation (Indicates ending or absence of a joint arrangement.)
Collocations
form a partnership
|business partnership
|enter into a partnership
|strategic partnership
|long-term partnership
Themes
business
|law
|sports
|work
|relationships
Examples
- The two companies formed a partnership to develop new technology.
- Their partnership has lasted for over a decade.
- She entered into a partnership with a local charity to raise funds.
- The partnership between the universities will benefit both sides.
- After months of talks, they finally agreed on a strategic partnership.
Learner examples
- We started a partnership to sell clothes.
- I am in a partnership with my friend.
- They have a business partnership.
- The partnership helps us work better.
- We ended the partnership last year.
Noun
B2
entity
2
legal business co-ownership
A business with two or more owners who share the work and money.
Usage pattern:
[someone] runs [a/an] partnership
Synonyms
firm (In some contexts refers specifically to a business, especially in law or accounting.)
Antonyms
sole proprietorship (A business owned and run by one person only.)
Collocations
limited partnership
|general partnership
|partnership agreement
|dissolve a partnership
Themes
business
|law
|finance
Examples
- They run the law firm as a partnership.
- The bakery started as a family partnership.
- He joined the company as part of a limited partnership.
- Partnerships must file special tax forms in many countries.
- They decided to dissolve the partnership after five years.
Learner examples
- We have a small bakery partnership.
- The shop is owned by a partnership.
- He works in a family partnership.
- A partnership can make more money than one person alone.
Noun
B1
relation
3
cooperation in activities
When two people work together closely in sports, arts, or other activities.
Usage pattern:
[someone] has [a/an] partnership with [someone] in [activity]
Synonyms
teamwork (Refers to group effort generally, not necessarily between just two people.)
Antonyms
solo effort (Work done by one person without cooperation.)
Collocations
successful partnership
|musical partnership
|creative partnership
Themes
sports
|arts
|arts_entertainment
|relationships
Examples
- Their musical partnership produced several hit albums.
- The tennis players built a strong partnership on the court.
- A successful acting partnership can last for decades.
Learner examples
- They have a tennis partnership.
- Our singing partnership is fun.
- The actors have a good partnership on stage.
Grammar
Dictionary form
partnership
IPA
GB/pˈɑɹtnɚʃˌɪp/
US/pˈɑɹtnɚʃˌɪp/
Syllables & stress
part - ner - ship (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (part)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: partnership
- Plural: partnership, partnerships
Word family
Forms
partnerships
noun
Core family
partner
noun A2
Expressions
form a partnership
1/fˈɔɹm ə pˈɑɹtnɚʃˌɪp/
fixed phrase
create formal cooperation agreement
To start a formal relationship where two or more people or groups work together.
Examples
- They decided to form a partnership to launch the new brand.
- Two charities formed a partnership to help homeless families.
in partnership with
1/ˈɪn pˈɑɹtnɚʃˌɪp wˈɪθ/
fixed phrase
together for shared goal
Working together with another person or group for the same aim.
Examples
- The school runs this program in partnership with local businesses.
- The app was developed in partnership with several universities.
strategic partnership
1/stɹətˈid͡ʒɪk pˈɑɹtnɚʃˌɪp/
fixed phrase
planned long-term cooperation deal
A planned long-term agreement between organizations to help each other succeed.
Examples
- The airlines announced a strategic partnership to expand routes.
- The strategic partnership will improve both companies' market positions.