community association: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal. Common in official, civic, legal, and real estate contexts.
Quick answer
What does “community association” mean?
An organized group of residents, homeowners, or business owners in a defined geographic area, formed to represent shared interests, manage common property, or address local issues.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An organized group of residents, homeowners, or business owners in a defined geographic area, formed to represent shared interests, manage common property, or address local issues.
Can refer to formal, legally constituted bodies with dues and bylaws (e.g., homeowners' associations) as well as informal, volunteer-led neighborhood groups. The term may also extend conceptually to other groups sharing a common identity or purpose, such as a 'professional community association'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in US usage, where it often specifically denotes a homeowners' association (HOA). In the UK, 'residents' association', 'tenants' association', or 'parish council' are more frequent for local civic groups, though 'community association' is understood.
Connotations
In the US, may carry connotations of strict rules and fees. In the UK, tends to be more neutral, leaning towards volunteerism and community spirit.
Frequency
High frequency in US legal and real estate contexts. Medium to low frequency in general UK discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “community association” in a Sentence
The community association of [Place/Group]A community association for [Purpose]To be a member of the community associationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “community association” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The residents are looking to community-associate to fight the development plans.
American English
- We need to community-associate if we want a say in the park's redesign.
adverb
British English
- The issue was handled community-association-ly, with a formal vote.
American English
- They managed the funds very community-association-ly, with full transparency.
adjective
British English
- They received a community-association newsletter.
American English
- She is on the community-association board.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In property management and real estate: 'The sale is contingent on approval from the community association.'
Academic
In sociology or urban studies: 'The study examined social capital formation within the community association.'
Everyday
Discussing local matters: 'Our community association is organising a street clean-up this Saturday.'
Technical
In legal documents: 'The bylaws of the community association stipulate architectural review procedures.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “community association”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “community association”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “community association”
- Using 'community' alone to mean the association (e.g., 'The community decided...' vs. 'The community association decided...').
- Misspelling as 'comunity association'.
- Using plural verb for singular noun (e.g., 'The community association are meeting' - UK acceptable, US prefers 'is meeting').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. An HOA is a specific type of community association, typically for homeowners in a subdivision or condominium. 'Community association' is a broader term that can include groups for renters, business owners, or general residents.
In the case of a mandatory homeowners' association (HOA), yes, membership is usually a condition of property ownership in that area. Other community associations are typically voluntary.
Responsibilities often include maintaining common areas (parks, pools), enforcing community rules (covenants), organising social events, and representing the community to local government.
Local government (city council, parish council) is a public, elected body with tax-raising powers. A community association is a private, voluntary (or mandatory) organisation for a specific community, funded by member dues or fees. It has authority only over its members and common property.
An organized group of residents, homeowners, or business owners in a defined geographic area, formed to represent shared interests, manage common property, or address local issues.
Community association is usually neutral to formal. common in official, civic, legal, and real estate contexts. in register.
Community association: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈmjuːnəti əˌsəʊsiˈeɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈmjunədi əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Run by the community association (meaning: governed by its rules)”
- “It went to the community association (meaning: became a matter for collective decision).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'COMMunity ASSOCIATION' as a group of people coming together (COMING) to ASSOCIATE and take action for their shared home area.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION IS A LOCAL GOVERNMENT (it makes rules, collects fees, provides services).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'community association' MOST likely to have legally binding power?