Definition of Partnership
Quick Meaning of Partnership
A relationship between two or more people or organizations who work together toward a common goal and share responsibility.
Detailed Definition of Partnership
A relationship or formal arrangement between two or more parties that collaborate, work together, and share goals, responsibilities, and often benefits or profits.
How to Pronounce Partnership
Stress pattern: Ooo (3-syllable word).
Tip: PART-ner-ship. Stress the first syllable PART. The second syllable 'ner' is secondary, and 'ship' is unstressed. Three syllables: PART-ner-ship.
Watch out: Some learners stress the second or third syllable instead of the first. Always stress PART clearly.
Origin and Etymology of Partnership
From 'partner' + '-ship' (state, condition). 'Partner' comes from Old French 'parçonier' (participant, sharer). '-Ship' is a common suffix forming nouns of status. The term has been in English since the 14th century.
How to Use Partnership in a Sentence
Each example shows “partnership” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“We formed a partnership with a local nonprofit to help the community.”
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“The partnership between the two companies proved very successful.”
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“They established their partnership through a written agreement.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Partnership
Common Synonyms for Partnership
Smart Synonyms for Partnership — When to Use Each
- collaboration
- Broader term; informal or formal working together
- alliance
- Emphasizes strategic agreement and commitment
- working relationship
- More general; includes temporary cooperation
Common Collocations with Partnership
These phrases pair with “partnership” in everyday English:
- business partnership
- strategic partnership
- partner with
- form a partnership
- enter into partnership
Common Mistakes When Using Partnership
Even fluent speakers slip up with “partnership”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: They have a partnership to work together.
- ✓ Correct: They have a partnership in which they work together.
- Why: Use 'in which' or 'whereby' to define the partnership; avoid redundancy.
- ✗ Wrong: The partnership between them are strong.
- ✓ Correct: The partnership between them is strong.
- Why: Partnership is singular; use 'is' not 'are'.
- ✗ Wrong: They partnered in a business.
- ✓ Correct: They formed a partnership in a business.
- Why: Use 'form a partnership' rather than just 'partner in'; more formal and clear.
Other Forms of Partnership
- Noun: partnership
Frequently Asked Questions About Partnership
What is the meaning of "Partnership"?
A relationship between two or more people or organizations who work together toward a common goal and share responsibility.
How do you pronounce "Partnership"?
The IPA is /ˈpɑːrtnərʃɪp/. PART-ner-ship. Stress the first syllable PART. The second syllable 'ner' is secondary, and 'ship' is unstressed. Three syllables: PART-ner-ship.
What part of speech is "Partnership"?
"Partnership" is a noun at B1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Partnership"?
Common synonyms include collaboration, alliance, working relationship.
How do you use "Partnership" in a sentence?
For example: "We formed a partnership with a local nonprofit to help the community."