non-governmentaladj.
/ˌnɒnɡʌvnˈmɛntl/, /ˌnɒnɡʌvəˈmɛntl/, U.S. /ˈˌnɑnˌɡəvər(n)ˈmɛn(t)l/ Not belonging to or associated with a government. Frequently in non-governmental organization: cf. NGO n. at N n. Initialisms 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > a or the government > [adjective] > not belonging to or associated with a government
non-governmental1853
1853 H. Spencer in Westm. Rev. July 63 When non-governmental agencies are dilatory, the public has its remedy: it ceases to employ them.
1872 Chambers's Encycl. VII. 706 The only non-governmental posts allowed to continue were those of the universities and the Cinque Ports.
1886 J. W. Powell On Organization Sci. Work Gen. Govt. (Joint Comm. U.S. Senate & House) II. 1074 No instance has been found of the systematic investigation of any considerable area..by any private party, corporation, or non-governmental organization of any kind.
1920 A. C. Pigou Econ. of Welfare iii. iv. 388 The facts..do not warrant us in supposing that local non-governmental Boards would fail if tried on the less completely unionised soil of the Continent.
1950 Bull. Atomic Scientists Apr. 122/3 The international non-governmental organizations have given advice to Unesco.
1980 Jrnl. Royal Soc. Arts 128 501/2 WWF is an international foundation, wholly non-governmental.
2001 Wall St. Jrnl. 17 Jan. a23/4 The forum has invited..representatives of nongovernmental organizations, or NGOs, and other independent bodies.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2003; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1853