synergy

USAGE SUMMARY

'synergy' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It usually means the creation of a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. For example, you might use it in a sentence like this: "The synergy between our two departments led to a level of efficiency that was more than we had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As the level of energy and temperature of the atmosphere increased, irreversible tipping points were reached where the synergy of feedback processes – ice melt, warming water, released methane, droughts and fires - combined to shift the climate from one state to the next.

The Guardian

(Both Showtime and the CW are owned by CBS, so this is corporate synergy at its finest).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But with a collection of gig-friendly churches, this festival now seems to have exploited this twin city synergy and is still growing with it.

The Guardian

For Generation Rent this has led to a clashing of interests where, Hilton believes, there should have been a natural synergy.

The Guardian

But the deeper answer to the status of The History Boys also lies somewhere in the synergy between two other things.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mei-Mei Berssenbrugge's Hello, the Roses (New Directions) forms a synergy with her husband Richard Tuttle's postminimalist art.

The Guardian - Books

The barons resisted it, partly from pride, but also because synergy often made no sense: the long-term success of Warner Bros relies on making good films and keeping Mr Eastwood happy, not on subsidising sister cable channels.It will require all Mr Heyer's calm logic, not to mention Mr Turner's somewhat harsher negotiating techniques, to persuade the barons to co-operate.

The Economist

The "synergy" that these groups invoked at their birth was supposed to make two plus two equal five; more often than not, it made them equal three.Much of manufacturing industry came to regret its dabble with diversification.

The Economist

This search for synergy is where people such as Mr Heyer come in.

The Economist

What in the past appeared to be a beneficial synergy of operations now looks like a series of unmanageable conflicts.

The Economist

Indeed, one of the most plausible stories of synergy told by pharmaceutical companies in the past decade that mixing research on crops and people would yield fantastic returns has come unstuck.In any case, there may be another way to thrive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "synergy" to describe the combined effects of different elements working together, like marketing campaigns or scientific research.

Common error

Avoid using "synergy" to justify mergers or collaborations without concrete plans for achieving tangible benefits. Ensure that claims of increased efficiency and output are supported by realistic strategies and measurable goals. Otherwise, it appears as empty jargon.

Linguistic Context

The word "synergy" functions primarily as a noun. According to Ludwig, it usually means the creation of a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. It refers to the combined power of elements when they are working together.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "synergy" is a noun that describes the combined effect of elements working together, resulting in an outcome greater than the sum of their individual contributions. As Ludwig AI states, it signifies the creation of a whole that exceeds its parts. The term is very common in news, media, business, and scientific contexts, often used to emphasize the benefits of collaboration and integration. While grammatically correct, it's essential to use it accurately and avoid overstating promised outcomes, ensuring that claims of increased efficiency are supported by concrete strategies. To provide alternative phrases you can use: "combined effort", "cooperative action" or "collaborative energy".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Combined effort

Focuses on the collaborative aspect of achieving a goal.

Cooperative action

Highlights the element of working together towards a common result.

Collaborative energy

Emphasizes the combined power and drive resulting from teamwork.

Harmonious interaction

Suggests a smooth and balanced relationship that produces positive outcomes.

Integrated approach

Highlights a comprehensive and unified method for achieving a result.

Unified front

Indicates a consolidated and coordinated effort from multiple parties.

Collective power

Stresses the strength gained by combining resources or abilities.

Team dynamic

Refers to the forces and interactions within a team environment.

Concerted effort

Implies a planned and determined collaborative approach.

Joint venture

Describes a specific type of partnership for a particular project.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "synergy" in a sentence?

Use "synergy" to describe situations where the combined effect of two or more entities is greater than the sum of their individual effects. For example: "The "synergy between" the marketing and sales teams significantly boosted revenue."

What are some alternatives to using the word "synergy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "collaboration", "cooperation", "combined effort", or "teamwork" to express similar ideas.

In what contexts is the term "synergy" most appropriate?

The term "synergy" is often used in business, science, and organizational contexts to describe the benefits of combining resources or efforts. It's suitable when emphasizing the creation of something greater than the sum of its parts.

What is the difference between "synergy" and "teamwork"?

"Teamwork" refers to the collaborative effort of a group working together. "Synergy" goes a step further, implying that the outcome of that teamwork is greater than what each individual could have achieved alone. "Synergy" emphasizes the amplified effect of combined efforts.