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:
Correct spelling: Organization (US English)
Correct spelling: Organisation (UK English)
Incorrect spelling: Organazation (Misspelling)
Incorrect spelling: Organasation (Misspelling)
- 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, organisingorganised | organize, organizes, organizingorganized |
| 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, cancellingmodelled, modellingtravelled, travelling | labeled, labeling, canceled, cancelingmodeled, modelingtraveled, 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” (US) and “organisation” (UK), associate the “z” with US and the “s” with UK.
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.
Work Sheet
Which spelling of the word is correct in US English?
Which spelling of the word is correct in UK English?
According to the post, which of these is an incorrect spelling?
Are both “Organization” and “Organisation” considered correct spellings?
The post mentions that the Z vs. S difference in “organization/organisation” is a pattern seen in other US/UK word pairs. Which letter tends to be used in US English for this pattern?
He works for a large international based in the United States.
The charity is a registered in the UK.
They are responsible for the event next month (US spelling).
She has excellent skills (UK spelling preference).
The lack of proper made finding the files difficult (choose a correct spelling).
Frequently Asked Questions
Spelling difference for organization?
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When to use “organization” spelling?
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When to use “organisation” spelling?
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Are there common misspellings?
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What about other forms like organizes?
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Yash, D. "How to Spell Organization? (“Organization” or “Organisation”?)." Grammarflex, Jun 21, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/how-to-spell-organization-organization-or-organisation/.
