What does organisation mean?
An organisation is a deliberately formed group of people, institutions, or resources working towards a shared purpose. The term can refer to the group itself, as in a charitable or international organisation, or to the way parts are arranged within something, as in the organisation of a team or collection. It is broader and more formal than the everyday word “group,” suggesting at least some structure, shared identity, and continuing purpose. In British English the usual spelling is “organisation,” while American English generally uses “organization.” The word can also refer indirectly to orderliness or effective management, as in the phrase “a model of organisation.” Its associations vary with context: it may sound institutional and neutral in formal writing, while the related adjective “organised” can imply competence, order, or, depending on the situation, excessive control. The term is therefore useful wherever a speaker needs to identify a purposeful collective or describe how activities and resources are structured.
nounAn organisation is a group of people or institutions organised for a particular purpose, such as providing services, representing interests, or achieving a shared objective.
- A group of people, institutions, or resources formed for a shared purpose.
- The process or arrangement of elements into a coherent structure.
- The state of being arranged or organised.
"The charity provides free language classes to refugees across the region."
"A regional organisation coordinated the volunteers who collected food and medicine after the storm."
"The study examined the organisation of research teams within the department."
"The office was a model of organisation, with every responsibility clearly assigned."
Use “organisations” in British English; the standard US plural is “organizations.”
"Several international organisations issued a joint statement."
Behind the word “organisation” lies the Greek organon, meaning “tool” or “instrument”: society’s institutions are tools through which people act together.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does organisation come from?
The word entered English in the 16th century from French organisation, which was derived from Medieval Latin organisationem. The Latin noun came from organiser, meaning “to arrange or form into an organized body,” ultimately based on Greek organon, “tool” or “instrument.” The same ancient root underlies words such as organ, organic, and organism.
Related word forms
How organisation is actually used
In British English, “organisation” is the standard spelling. In American English, “organization” is preferred, although “organisation” is understood. The word is neutral and applies to formal bodies as well as informal groups; it does not itself imply that an organisation is large, governmental, or effective.
Easily confused with organisation
“Organisation” is the usual British spelling, whereas “organization” is the usual US spelling; both can refer to a group or to the process of arranging something.
An organisation is the group itself, whereas an agency is typically an organisation or department entrusted with carrying out a particular function.