Definition

Proper noun: 1. An international organization: The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1945, composed of sovereign member states, with the primary purpose of maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress, better living standards, and human rights.

Usage

The term "United Nations" is used as a singular proper noun to refer to the organization as a whole entity. It is often preceded by the definite article "the". * The United Nations was established after World War II. * Many countries are members of the United Nations. * The United Nations has issued a statement on the crisis.

Advanced Usage

• "UN": This is the common and official acronym for the United Nations, used in both formal and informal contexts.
  • The UN Security Council will meet today.
• "United Nations" as an attributive noun: It is frequently used before another noun to describe something belonging to or associated with the organization.
  • A United Nations resolution was passed.
  • She works for a United Nations agency.

Variants and Related Words

• UN (n.): The standard acronym.
• U.N. (n.): A less common variant of the acronym with periods.
• United Nations Organization (UNO) (n.): A fuller, though less frequently used, official name.

Synonyms

• International community: (in some contexts) This phrase can refer broadly to the collective of nations, often represented by or acting through the UN.
• World body: A general term for a major international organization.

Related Phrases

• UN Charter: The foundational treaty of the United Nations.
• UN General Assembly: The main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the UN.
• UN Security Council: The UN organ with primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
• Member state: A country that is a member of the United Nations.

Noun

1. an organization of independent states formed in 1945 to promote international peace and security