Unilateral vs. Bilateral — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on September 21, 2023
Unilateral pertains to one side or party, while Bilateral involves two sides or parties. Unilateral decisions are made by one entity; Bilateral agreements involve mutual consent of two entities.
Difference Between Unilateral and Bilateral
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In essence, while unilateral emphasizes independence and decision-making by a single party, bilateral underscores collaboration and mutual agreement between two parties.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
Bilateral actions, agreements, or discussions tend to be collaborative. They often take longer due to negotiations but can lead to more comprehensive and mutually beneficial outcomes. Bilateral treaties, for instance, are crafted after discussions between the two countries involved.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
"Unilateral" is derived from the Latin word "unus," meaning "one." When we speak of unilateral actions or decisions, it signifies that they are undertaken by one party without the explicit consent or involvement of another. These actions are often independent and based solely on the discretion of the decision-maker.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
On the other hand, "Bilateral" originates from the Latin word "bis," meaning "twice." Bilateral involves two distinct parties. In contexts like diplomacy or trade, bilateral agreements or treaties indicate mutual understanding and consent between the two involved entities.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
Unilateral decisions or actions can be swift as they do not require consensus. For example, a country may take a unilateral decision to impose sanctions. Such decisions, while quick, might not always consider the perspectives of all affected parties.
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Sep 21, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Decision-making
Faster, no consensus needed
Often slower, requires negotiations
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Sep 21, 2023
Examples
Unilateral sanctions, one-sided decisions
Bilateral agreements, mutual treaties
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
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Definitions
Unilateral
Pertaining to one side or party.
The country's unilateral decision surprised many.
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Bilateral
Pertaining to both the left and right side.
The bilateral hearing loss was concerning.
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Unilateral
Independent in action or decision.
The company's unilateral policies were criticized.
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Bilateral
Involving two sides or parties.
The bilateral agreement benefitted both nations.
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Unilateral
Of, on, relating to, involving, or affecting only one side
"a unilateral advantage in defense" (New Republic).
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Bilateral
Having two identical or corresponding sides.
The butterfly has a bilateral symmetry.
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Bilateral
Mutual or reciprocal.
They had a bilateral understanding of the terms.
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Unilateral
Obligating only one of two or more parties, nations, or persons, as a contract or an agreement.
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Bilateral
Affecting or undertaken by two sides equally; binding on both parties
A bilateral agreement.
Bilateral negotiations.
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Bilateral
Relating to both the right and the left side of the body or of a body structure
Bilateral mastectomy.
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Unilateral
(Botany) Having leaves, flowers, or other parts on one side only.
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Bilateral
(anthropology) Involving descent or ascent regardless of sex and side of the family.
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Sep 17, 2023
Unilateral
Pertaining to one side; one-sided; as, a unilateral raceme, in which the flowers grow only on one side of a common axis, or are all turned to one side.
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Sep 17, 2023
Unilateral
Involving only one part or side;
Unilateral paralysis
A unilateral decision
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Sep 17, 2023
Bilateral
Having two sides; arranged upon two sides; affecting two sides or two parties.
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Sep 17, 2023
Unilateral
Tracing descent from either the paternal or the maternal line only
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Sep 17, 2023
Bilateral
Of or pertaining to the two sides of a central area or organ, or of a central axis; as, bilateral symmetry in animals, where there is a similarity of parts on the right and left sides of the body.
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Sep 17, 2023
Unilateral
Undertaken by one entity without others.
She made a unilateral move in the chess game.
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Unilateral
Affecting one side of something.
The patient has unilateral pain in the left leg.
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Bilateral
Involving only one part or side;
Unilateral paralysis
A unilateral decision
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Unilateral
Not mutual or reciprocal.
The unilateral declaration was unexpected.
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Bilateral
Affecting or undertaken by two parties;
A bilateral agreement between the United States and Japan
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Sep 17, 2023
Bilateral
Undertaken by two parties.
Bilateral negotiations took weeks to conclude.
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Sep 19, 2023
FAQs
How many parties are involved in a bilateral agreement?
Bilateral agreements involve two parties.
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Sep 21, 2023
Are bilateral actions always collaborative?
Yes, bilateral actions typically involve collaboration and mutual consent between two parties.
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Sep 21, 2023
Is a unilateral treaty possible?
No, treaties are typically bilateral or multilateral as they involve agreements between multiple parties.
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Sep 21, 2023
Can a unilateral decision involve negotiations?
Typically, unilateral decisions are made without negotiations since they are decided by one party.
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Sep 21, 2023
What does "Unilateral" primarily refer to?
Unilateral pertains to actions or decisions made by one side or party.
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Sep 21, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
