noncooperative

adjective

non·​co·​op·​er·​a·​tive ˌnän-kō-ˈä-p(ə-)rə-tiv How to pronounce noncooperative (audio)
-pə-ˌrā-
Synonyms of noncooperativenext
: of, relating to, or characterized by noncooperation

Examples of noncooperative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The European Space Agency’s ClearSpace-1, planned for 2029, tackles the harder case by capturing the unprepared, noncooperative Proba-1 satellite and dragging it down to burn up. — Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba, The Conversation, 22 July 2026 Dolphins that partnered with fishers also experienced a 13 percent boost in survival, compared with noncooperative ones, most likely because of the animals spending the majority of their time in the lagoon. — Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 30 Jan. 2023 The disclosures would also extend to activities in jurisdictions that are on the EU’s list of noncooperative jurisdictions. — Nana Ama Sarfo, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2021 Cooperative birds' cheating rate averaged around 12 percent, while noncooperative birds around 23 percent. — Joseph Calamia, Discover Magazine, 20 Aug. 2010

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of noncooperative was in 1867

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Cite this Entry

“Noncooperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/noncooperative. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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