Organization and organisation are two different spellings of the word and noun that can either refer to a group of people who “form a business, club, etc., in order to achieve a particular aim”, “the act of making arrangements or preparations for something”, or “the way in which the different parts of something are arranged”.
Organization vs. organisation (UK vs. US spelling)
The appropriate spelling depends on whether you’re writing using UK English or US English spelling rules:
- UK English spells “organisation” with “s”.
- US English spells “organization” with “z”.
Note: Many words that are spelled with a “z” in US English use an “s” in UK English (e.g., “analyze” and “analyse”, “realize” and “realise”).
Word forms of organization/organisation
The same spelling distinctions carry to its other word forms as a verb; e.g., organizes/organises, organized/organised.
| word class | UK English | US English |
| noun | organisation | organization |
| verb | organise, organises, organising organised* | organize, organizes, organizing organized* |
| adverb | organisationally | organizationally |
| adjective | organisational, organised* | organizational, organized* |
Other UK English vs. US English spelling differences
There are various spelling differences and preferences between US and UK English. A few common patterns include the single or double ‘L’ in certain verbs, or US English’s preference for the standard past tense conjugation (which just adds “-ed”). See the chart below.
| UK English | US English |
| labelled, labelling, cancelled, cancelling modelled, modelling travelled, travelling | labeled, labeling, canceled, canceling modeled, modeling traveled, traveling |
| burnt, spelt, smelt | burned, spelled, smelled |
“Organization” / “organisation”, used in sentences
The library shelves displayed no obvious sign of organization/organisation.
He’s the president of a large international organization/organisation.
She works with local community organizations/organisations.
The organization/organisation provides housing and support services for homeless young people.
Sentences with organisation/organization in the media
These are 11 of the most high-impact, cost-effective, evidence-based organizations.
— Want to fight climate change effectively? Here’s where to donate your money.
Many organizations are now working to restore coastal wetlands.
— From Science News For Students
Last month the American Alpine Club announced that Mitsu Iwasaki would be the organization’s new CEO.
—From Outside Online
Organization, synonyms
- grouping
- institution
- management
- system
- association
- body
- business
- club
- group
Phrases with organization
- organization charts
- commercial organization
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
Origin of the word organization/organisation
From Etymonline:
Early 15c., organisacioun, “structure of the body or its parts;” mid-15c., “act or process of organizing, the arranging of parts in an organic whole” from Medieval Latin organizationem
Learn more about US English vs. UK English
- Which is it: “Favorite” or “Favourite”?
- Is it Spelled Metre or Meter?
- Which is Correct: Honour or Honor?
- Is it “Behaviour” or “Behavior”?
- Is it “Labour” or “Labor”?
- Color or Colour (Which is Correct?)
- Favour or Favor (Which is Correct?)
Sources
- Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of organisation.” Online Etymology Dictionary Accessed 13 February, 2024.
- Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, organization.
