What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
interdisciplinary
Example
The research project takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from psychology, sociology, and economics. [interdisciplinary: adjective]
Example
The interdisciplinary team of scientists worked together to develop a new treatment for cancer. [interdisciplinary: noun]
multidisciplinary
Example
The project requires a multidisciplinary team of engineers, designers, and marketers to work together. [multidisciplinary: adjective]
Example
The hospital has a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and therapists to provide holistic care to patients. [multidisciplinary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Multidisciplinary is more commonly used than interdisciplinary in everyday language, especially in healthcare and service-related contexts. However, interdisciplinary is more commonly used in academic and research contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary?
Both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary are formal words that are typically used in professional and academic contexts.