unterm

UNTERM stands for the United Nations Terminology Database, a multilingual terminology management system and central repository used by the United Nations to standardize terminology across its documents and communications. The database supports translation, terminology research, and the harmonization of terms across UN agencies, conferences, and policy areas.

Entries in UNTERM typically include a term in one or more languages, its part of speech, definitions or glosses, usage notes, sources or provenance, status (such as proposed or approved), and links to related terms or subject domains. The system covers a wide range of topics encountered in UN work, including peacekeeping, development, human rights, environment, and governance. It is designed to accommodate multilingual terminology and to facilitate consistent use across official UN languages.

UNTERM supports a formal terminology workflow, including submission, review, approval, and release of terms. It is used by translators, terminologists, researchers, and policy staff to ensure precision and consistency in UN documentation. The database is maintained by the UN Terminology and Language Services and is integrated with other UN language tools and processes.

Access to UNTERM varies by user type. UN staff typically use it as part of internal language services, while a public interface—commonly available at unterm.un.org—allows researchers and the general public to search terms and browse glossaries. Some records may be restricted or limited to certain audiences depending on project status or confidentiality.

Overall, UNTERM plays a central role in multilingual communication within the United Nations, helping reduce ambiguity, improve accuracy, and promote consistent terminology across languages and departments.