Origin: Latin suffix -ive
Cooperative has 7 different meanings across 2 categories:
a jointly owned commercial enterprise (usually organized by farmers or consumers) that produces and distributes goods and services and is run for the benefit of its owners
"The local dairy cooperative decided to expand its distribution network to reach more families in the county."
an association formed and operated for the benefit of those using it
"The local grocery store is a cooperative owned entirely by the families who shop there every day."
A type of company that is owned partially or wholly by its employees, customers or tenants.
"After reading about how a local grocery store was restructured as a cooperative, several long-time shoppers decided to join the ownership group themselves."
In plain English: A cooperative is a business owned and run by its customers to help them save money and share profits.
"The cooperative decided to lower its prices to help the local families save money."
Usage: Use cooperative as a noun to describe a business organization owned and operated by its members, such as workers or consumers. It refers specifically to the entity itself rather than someone who simply works well with others.
involving the joint activity of two or more
"concerted action"
"the conjunct influence of fire and strong wind"
"the conjunctive focus of political opposition"
"a cooperative effort"
"a united effort"
"joint military activities"
willing to adjust to differences in order to obtain agreement
"After several rounds of negotiation, the two rival companies finally reached a cooperative deal by compromising on their pricing strategies."
Ready to work with another person or in a team; ready to cooperate.
"The new intern proved herself to be highly cooperative, quickly adapting to our group's workflow and offering helpful suggestions during meetings."
In plain English: Cooperative means willing to work together with others toward a common goal.
"The children were cooperative and finished their homework without any trouble."
Usage: Use cooperative as an adjective to describe someone who is willing to help and work well with others on a shared task. Avoid confusing it with the noun form that refers to a business owned by its members.
The word cooperative comes from combining the prefix co- with operative, meaning one who operates or works together. It entered English to describe people or groups that function jointly toward a common goal.