Cool MateCooperation vs Teamwork
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Cooperation
Top 2,000 (common)
Teamwork
Top 2,000 (common)
| Cooperation | Teamwork | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kəʊˈɒpəreɪʃən//🇺🇸 //koʊˈɑːpəreɪʃən// | 🇬🇧 //ˈtiːm.wɜːk//🇺🇸 //ˈtiːm.wɜrk// |
| Meaning | Working together with others for a common goal. | Working together in a group to achieve a goal. |
| Example | The success of the project relied on the cooperation of all team members. | Success in the project depended on effective teamwork. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | international cooperation, mutual cooperation, effective cooperation, cooperation agreement, cooperation between | encourage teamwork, demonstrate teamwork, promote teamwork, effective teamwork, teamwork skills |
| Antonyms | competition, conflict, opposition | individualism, solitude, self-reliance |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'collaboration' - cooperation involves joint effort, while collaboration emphasizes the act of contributing., Using 'cooperation' with singular verbs - it's often used as a collective noun. | Confusing with 'teamworking', which is less common., Using in singular forms like 'teamwork is important' incorrectly., Forgetting to pair with verbs like 'demonstrate' or 'encourage'. |
| Usage notes | Use in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing teamwork or collaboration. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Common in workplaces and educational settings. Avoid using in contexts that emphasize individual achievement. |
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Frequently asked questions: Cooperation vs Teamwork
What's the difference between Cooperation and Teamwork?
Cooperation: Working together with others for a common goal. Teamwork: Working together in a group to achieve a goal.
Can you show an example of each?
Cooperation: The success of the project relied on the cooperation of all team members. Teamwork: Success in the project depended on effective teamwork.
Can I use Cooperation and Teamwork interchangeably?
Not always. Cooperation and Teamwork are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.