The story of 'synergy,' the word we love to hate

Published: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 10:00 am

The Enduring Enigma of "Synergy": From Ancient Roots to Modern Buzzword

The word "synergy," often derided as corporate jargon, has a surprisingly rich and complex history. Originating from the Greek words "syn" (together) and "ergon" (work), the term initially signified the concept of combined effort. Merriam-Webster defines it as "combined action or operation" where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Its earliest recorded uses appear in religious contexts, specifically within the New Testament. The Greek word "synergoi" was used to describe "fellow workers" or those laboring together. Later, in the 1600s, the term "synergism" emerged in theological debates, referring to the idea that salvation comes from a combination of God's grace and human will.

The word's application expanded in the 1800s, finding its way into medicine and toxicology. Physicians used it to describe how one organ could positively influence another, and toxicologists used it to describe how compounds could work together to produce a more powerful effect.

The mid-20th century saw "synergy" adopted in scientific and philosophical circles. Psychologist Raymond Cattell explored synergy in group dynamics, while Buckminster Fuller, known for his architectural work, wrote about it in his book "Synergetics."

However, the word's association with business began in the 1960s. Igor Ansoff, a business management theorist, dedicated a chapter of his book "Corporate Strategy" to synergy, describing it as the "2 + 2 = 5" effect. The term gained significant traction in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming a buzzword during mergers and acquisitions. Its overuse led to a dilution of its meaning, leaving many unsure of its precise definition.

BNN's Perspective: While the concept of synergy – the idea that collaboration can yield greater results – is inherently positive, the word itself has become a victim of its own success. Its overuse in corporate settings has rendered it vague and often meaningless. Perhaps it's time to retire "synergy" and focus on the concrete actions that actually foster collaboration and achieve results.

Keywords: synergy, business jargon, corporate buzzword, etymology, Greek, Merriam-Webster, collaboration, mergers, acquisitions, Igor Ansoff, Raymond Cattell, Buckminster Fuller, corporate strategy, word history, buzzwords, business terms

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