com ‧ mu ‧ ni ‧ ca ‧ tion S2 W1 /kəˌmjuːnəˈkeɪʃ ə n, kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃ ə n/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ communication , ↑ communicator ; verb : ↑ communicate ; adjective : ↑ communicative ≠ UNCOMMUNICATIVE ]
1 . [uncountable] the process by which people exchange information or express their thoughts and feelings:
Good communication is vital in a large organization.
Radio was the pilot’s only means of communication.
2 . communications
a) [plural] ways of sending information, especially using radio, telephone, or computers:
Modern communications are enabling more people to work from home.
b) [plural] roads, railways etc that are used for travelling and sending goods
communications with
Paris has good communications with many European cities.
c) [uncountable] the study of using radio, television, cinema etc to communicate:
a diploma in communications
3 . [uncountable] the way people express themselves so that other people will understand:
a week’s course in improving communication skills
There has been a breakdown in communication (=failure to communicate) .
4 . be in communication with somebody formal to talk or write to someone regularly
5 . [countable] formal a letter, message, or telephone call:
a communication from the Ministry of Defence
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meanings 1 & 3)
■ phrases
▪ a means of communication (=a way of exchanging information)
There were no roads and no means of communication with the people in the mountains.
▪ a line/channel of communication (=a way of exchanging information, especially in an organization)
It's important to maintain good lines of communication between managers and staff.
▪ a form/method/system of communication (=something you use to exchange information)
At university, lectures are the main form of communication.
▪ a medium of communication (=a way of exchanging information, especially through televison, art, music etc)
Photography is a very popular medium of communication.
▪ a lack of communication
Disagreements are often due to a lack of communication.
▪ a breakdown in communication (=a failure)
Differences in language and traditions can lead to a breakdown in communication.
■ adjectives
▪ good communication
In our company, there is good communication between the various departments.
▪ poor communication
There was poor communication between the air traffic controllers and the aircraft.
▪ effective communication
Effective communication plays a key role in the democratic process.
▪ direct communication
The new system allows more direct communication between teachers and parents.
▪ open communication (=involving everyone in a group)
The system is aimed at creating trust and open communication.
▪ mass communication (=involving many people in a country, the world etc)
Television, radio and other forms of mass communication have made the world a global village.
▪ human communication
Speech is the most effective method of human communication.
▪ verbal communication (=with words)
This activity is designed to improve students' verbal communication skills.
▪ non-verbal communication (=without words)
Your appearance and movements are both forms of non-verbal communication.
▪ electronic communication (=using computers)
Electronic communication encourages more information exchange.
▪ two-way communication (=in both directions)
Train drivers need two-way communication with the signal box at all times.
■ verbs
▪ establish communication
My job is to establish good communication with our hotel guests.
▪ facilitate communication (=make it easier)
Computers have facilitated global communication.
■ communication + NOUN
▪ communication skills
Most managers in business spend some time learning communication skills, so that they and their staff can understand each other.
▪ a communication system
The natural communication system for humans is speech.