What does unilaterally mean?
Unilaterally is an adverb meaning that an action is carried out by one party alone, without consultation, agreement, or participation from others. It is especially common in political, legal, and organizational contexts: a government may announce a policy unilaterally, while a committee may issue a recommendation unilaterally. The word often carries a negative implication, suggesting that other affected parties were ignored or that a decision was imposed rather than negotiated. Even when used neutrally, it emphasizes independent action and the absence of a bilateral or multilateral process. The term is useful because it distinguishes one-sided decision-making from actions undertaken jointly or with prior agreement. Unilaterally comes from the Latin elements uni- (“one”) and latus (“side”), reflecting its basic meaning of “on one side only.”
adverbIn a unilateral manner; on one party’s own initiative, without consultation or agreement with others.
- In a unilateral manner; on one party’s own initiative, without consultation or agreement with others.
"The government announced the new policy unilaterally, without consulting the opposition."
"The government announced the new policy unilaterally, without consulting the opposition."
"The committee issued its recommendation unilaterally, prompting objections from several members."
Unilaterally comes from the Latin roots for “one” and “side,” making its meaning especially memorable: doing something on one side only.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unilaterally come from?
The adverb is derived from the English adjective unilateral, which comes from the Latin elements uni- (“one”) and latus (“side”), referring originally to something occurring on one side. The same Latin roots underlie terms such as laterality and bilateral, while English forms including unilateralism and unilateralist developed from the idea of one-sided action or policy. The adverb was formed by adding the usual suffix -ally to unilateral.
How unilaterally is actually used
Formal and often negative or cautionary in connotation, especially when a government, organization, or individual takes an important action without consultation or agreement. It can also neutrally mean “on one’s own initiative.”
Easily confused with unilaterally
Unilaterally describes action taken by one party alone, whereas bilaterally describes action or agreement involving two sides or parties.