re·la·tion·ship 
/rɪˈleɪʃənˌʃɪp/ noun
plural re·la·tion·ships /rɪˈleɪʃənˌʃɪp/ noun 1 [count] : the way in which two or more people, groups, countries, etc., talk to, behave toward, and deal with each other
▪ The relationship between the two countries has improved. ▪ She has a close relationship with her sister. ▪ We have a good working relationship. [=we work well together] ▪ I have a love-hate relationship with my ex. [=I have strong feelings of both love and hatred for my ex] 2 [count] : a romantic or sexual friendship between two people
▪ She has had many bad relationships. ▪ I am not in a relationship right now. 3 : the way in which two or more people or things are connected [count] ▪ the relationship between mental and physical health ▪ the doctor-patient relationship [noncount] ▪ “What is your relationship to the witness?” “He is my father/friend/boss.” ▪ Her earlier paintings bear little relationship to her later work. [=her earlier paintings are very different from her later work; her earlier paintings are not obviously connected to her later work]
▪ The relationship between the two countries has improved. ▪ She has a close relationship with her sister. ▪ We have a good working relationship. [=we work well together] ▪ I have a love-hate relationship with my ex. [=I have strong feelings of both love and hatred for my ex]
▪ She has had many bad relationships. ▪ I am not in a relationship right now.
