The term "unilateral" refers to actions or decisions made by one party without the agreement or involvement of others. In various contexts, such as politics or business, a unilateral decision can significantly impact relationships and outcomes. For example, a country may impose unilateral sanctions on another nation, meaning it acts independently without seeking consensus from allies. In medicine, "unilateral" often describes conditions or symptoms affecting one side of the body. For instance, a unilateral headache occurs on one side of the head, distinguishing it from bilateral headaches that affect both sides. Understanding this term helps clarify discussions in multiple fields.