coordination

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   The act of organizing people or activities so that they work together effectively.

   Grammar: Uncountable: you say 'good coordination', not 'a coordination'.

   Patterns

   • coordination between A and B
   • coordination of something
   • in coordination with someone

   The success of the project depended on close coordination between the two teams.

   There was poor coordination of the rescue effort, so supplies arrived late.

   She works in coordination with local charities to distribute food.

2. 2noununcountable

   The ability to move different parts of your body together smoothly and efficiently.

   Grammar: Uncountable: often used with 'good', 'poor', 'hand-eye', etc.

   Patterns

   • good/poor coordination
   • hand-eye coordination
   • lose coordination

   Gymnastics requires excellent coordination and balance.

   After the accident, he had trouble with coordination in his left hand.

   Playing video games can improve hand-eye coordination.

3. 3noununcountablechemistrytechnical

   In chemistry, the bonding of a central atom or ion to surrounding molecules or ions.

   Grammar: Technical use; often in 'coordination compound' or 'coordination number'.

   Patterns

   • coordination compound
   • coordination number
   • coordination geometry

   The coordination number of the metal ion is six.

   Coordination compounds often have vivid colors.

   This reaction involves the coordination of ligands to the central atom.

Common combinations

close coordination

The military operation required close coordination with allies.

lack of coordination

The lack of coordination between departments caused delays.

hand-eye coordination

Surgeons need excellent hand-eye coordination.

in coordination with

The event was planned in coordination with local authorities.

coordination meeting

We hold a coordination meeting every Monday morning.

Synonyms and how they differ

organization

Organization focuses on arranging things in an orderly way, while coordination emphasizes making separate parts work together smoothly.

harmony

Harmony suggests a pleasing agreement or lack of conflict, often in relationships or music, not the active management of tasks.

synchronization

Synchronization means making things happen at exactly the same time, which is narrower than coordination.

Opposites

Word family

coordinate verb

To organize people or activities so they work together.

coordinator noun

A person who organizes people or activities.

coordinated adjective

Well organized or able to move smoothly.

Commonly confused: coordination or cooperation?

Practice

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