Word

collective

adjective C1

/kəˈlɛktɪv/

Meanings

adjective

Shared by or involving all members of a group; done together rather than individually.

noun

A group of people who work together or are considered as a single unit, often in arts, business, or activism.

Definition

“Collective” describes something done or shared by a group, or a group seen as a single unit.

“Collective” most often means shared by, done by, or belonging to a group of people rather than to one person. It can also refer to the group itself when it is treated as a single unit. In formal contexts, it often highlights joint responsibility, identity, or effort.

Examples

The team’s collective focus shifted the conversation from blame to practical solutions.
I felt a collective sense of relief when the flight finally took off after the delay.
The neighborhood showed collective resolve by organizing regular cleanups all summer.
She credited her promotion to the collective effort of her department rather than her own performance alone.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse “collective” with “collecting” and incorrectly say “collecting effort” instead of “collective effort.”