unilateral decision

USAGE SUMMARY

"unilateral decision" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a decision or action made by one person or party without consulting or involving others. For example: "The President made a unilateral decision to end the trade agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Germany reacted sharply to Denmark's unilateral decision.

The New York Times

"This is not the time for a unilateral decision.

The New York Times - Arts

So I took a unilateral decision to stop".

The Guardian - Music

"This was not a unilateral decision," Groh said.

The New York Times - Sports

Merkel noted Austria backed the plan, despite its unilateral decision to introduce daily caps on migrants.

The Guardian

Yes, but it's probably not a unilateral decision that Britain will take".

The Guardian - Sport

"We're not making a unilateral decision here in the Council," she added.

The New York Times

It also declared that any unilateral decision on the status of Jerusalem is illegal and immoral.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

There is a danger of unilateral decision-making.

The New York Times

A relationship is unlikely to be happy if it is built on unilateral decision-making.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Consequently, the public is becoming more aware of the unilateral decision-making power they wield.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unilateral decision", ensure you clarify the context surrounding the decision, emphasizing who made the decision and what impact it has on others. This provides clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone understands the implications of a "unilateral decision". Explicitly state the consequences or affected parties to prevent confusion and potential negative reactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unilateral decision" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of decision-making process where one party acts independently. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from political actions to personal choices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unilateral decision" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a decision made by one party without consulting others. As Ludwig highlights, it appears frequently in news, science, and formal business contexts. While Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, it's crucial to recognize the potential implications of such decisions, including possible negative reactions or lack of broader support. Using the phrase effectively involves clarifying the context and consequences of the decision to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

independent judgment

Focuses on the act of judging independently, rather than the decision-making process itself.

autonomous determination

Highlights the self-governed and independent nature of the determination.

single-handed determination

Emphasizes the individual's effort in making the determination, adding a sense of personal agency.

one-sided resolution

Implies that the resolution benefits one party more than others.

self-directed verdict

Implies a judgment or conclusion reached independently.

individual choice

Highlights the aspect of personal preference and selection.

personal call

A more informal way of describing a decision made by an individual.

uncoordinated action

Underscores the lack of collaboration or consultation in the action taken.

solitary action

Emphasizes the lone nature of the action taken, rather than the decision itself.

go-it-alone approach

Focuses on the manner of proceeding without collaboration.

FAQs

How is "unilateral decision" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "unilateral decision" is usually employed to describe a decision made by one party without consulting or involving others. For example, "The company made a "unilateral decision" to cut employee benefits".

What can I say instead of "unilateral decision"?

You can use alternatives like "independent judgment", "single-handed determination", or "autonomous determination" depending on the context.

What are the implications of making a "unilateral decision"?

Making a "unilateral decision" can lead to consequences such as resentment from those not consulted, lack of diverse perspectives, and potential implementation challenges due to lack of buy-in.

How can I avoid negative perceptions when making a "unilateral decision"?

To minimize negative perceptions, clearly communicate the reasons behind the decision, acknowledge the impact on others, and be open to feedback, even if the decision itself is non-negotiable.