Execution: meaning, definitions and examples

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execution

 

[ ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃ(ə)n ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

legal

The act of carrying out or putting into effect a plan, order, or course of action.

Synonyms

enforcement, implementation, performance.

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Word Description / Examples
execution

This word is commonly used in legal or official contexts, especially concerning carrying out a death sentence or a complex task or plan.

  • The execution of the convicted murderer took place at midnight.
  • The team discussed the execution of the new project plan.
implementation

This term is used in business, technology, and project management contexts to describe putting a plan, decision, or system into effect.

  • The implementation of the new software was completed last week.
  • We need to focus on the implementation of our marketing strategy.
enforcement

Often used in legal and regulatory contexts, it refers to ensuring compliance with laws, rules, or regulations.

  • The police are responsible for enforcement of traffic laws.
  • Stricter enforcement of workplace safety regulations was implemented last year.
performance

A general term used to describe how well someone or something completes a task or activity. It is often used in work, sports, and arts contexts.

  • Her performance in the role of Juliet was outstanding.
  • The company’s financial performance has improved this quarter.

Examples of usage

  • The execution of the contract was completed on time.
  • The execution of the criminal took place at dawn.
  • The execution of the project required meticulous planning.
Context #2 | Noun

computing

The process of running a program or instruction.

Synonyms

implementation, operation, running.

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Word Description / Examples
execution

This term is often used in legal or formal contexts, such as the carrying out of a legal sentence or a planned project. It may also indicate the act of killing someone as a punishment, which has a negative connotation.

  • The execution of the contract will take place next week.
  • The prisoner awaited his execution.
implementation

Use this term when talking about the process of putting a plan, decision, or law into effect. It often appears in business, tech, and policy contexts.

  • The implementation of the new software was smooth and efficient.
  • She oversaw the implementation of the new policies.
running

This term is frequently used to describe the everyday management or functioning of an activity, business, or system. It highlights continuous action over time.

  • The daily running of the company requires meticulous planning.
  • He is in charge of the running of the household.
operation

This word is versatile and can be used in various contexts such as the functioning of a machine, a business, or a surgical procedure. It often indicates ongoing activities or functions.

  • The operation of the factory continues around the clock.
  • The military operation was a success.
  • She underwent a heart operation.

Examples of usage

  • The execution of the code resulted in an error.
  • The program's execution was halted due to a bug.
Context #3 | Noun

business

The act of carrying out a task or assignment.

Synonyms

accomplishment, implementation, performance.

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Word Description / Examples
execution

Use this word when discussing the carrying out of a plan, order, or course of action. It can also refer to the act of punishing someone, usually by death, though this has a negative and severe connotation.

  • The execution of the new strategy was flawless.
  • The criminal's execution took place at dawn.
implementation

Use this when discussing the process of putting a decision, plan, or agreement into effect.

  • The implementation of the new software will take place next month.
  • They faced several challenges during the implementation phase.
accomplishment

This word is best used when referring to something successfully completed or achieved, often implying a sense of pride and success.

  • Winning the award was a significant accomplishment for her.
  • Completing the marathon was a great accomplishment.
performance

This word is suitable for discussing how well someone does a task or activity. It can also refer to an entertainment show.

  • His performance at work has been outstanding.
  • They attended a live performance of the orchestra.

Examples of usage

  • The execution of the marketing strategy was successful.
  • The team's execution of the project was commendable.
Context #4 | Noun

military

The carrying out of a military action such as a planned attack.

Synonyms

conduct, implementation, operation.

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Word Description / Examples
execution

Use this term when referring to the process of carrying out a planned action or task, especially in a formal or technical context.

  • The execution of the project took longer than expected.
  • Their business strategy requires precise execution to succeed.
implementation

This term is best used when referring to the process of putting a plan, decision, or agreement into effect.

  • The implementation of the new software will start next week.
  • Successful implementation is key to achieving our goals.
operation

Operation refers to the functioning or running of a process, system, or organization.

  • The operation of the machine requires special training.
  • During the operation of the new system, we encountered several issues.
conduct

This term is often used when describing the manner in which an activity or an operation is carried out, focusing on the behavior or actions of those involved.

  • The teacher's conduct in the classroom is admirable.
  • Proper conduct during meetings is crucial for effective communication.

Examples of usage

  • The execution of the battle plan was flawless.
  • The swift execution of the operation surprised the enemy.
Context #5 | Verb

general

To carry out or put into effect a plan, order, or course of action.

Synonyms

carry out, implement, perform.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
execution

Often used in formal or legal contexts, referring to the act of putting a plan, order, or law into effect. It can also refer to the carrying out of a death sentence, which has a negative connotation.

  • The court ordered the execution of the decree immediately.
  • The execution of the plan was flawless.
  • The execution of the prisoner took place at dawn.
implement

Used in formal or business contexts, generally meaning to put a plan, decision, or agreement into effect. It often suggests a structured or methodical approach.

  • The company will implement the new software next quarter.
  • They need to implement the new policy immediately.
  • How do you plan to implement these changes?
perform

Used in various contexts including business, entertainment, or technical tasks, often meaning to carry out a specific action, task or duty. It can also imply a sense of skill or competence in the action being described.

  • She will perform on stage tonight.
  • The doctor will perform the surgery tomorrow.
  • He was asked to perform a series of tests.
carry out

Used in both formal and informal contexts to mean doing something that has been planned or ordered. It stresses the action or completion of a task or plan.

  • The team needs to carry out the project by the end of the month.
  • She was asked to carry out the inspection on her own.
  • They successfully carried out the experiment.

Examples of usage

  • The company will execute the new marketing strategy next month.
  • The government executed the changes to the policy.

Translations

Translations of the word "execution" in other languages:

🇵🇹 execução

🇮🇳 निष्पादन

🇩🇪 Ausführung

🇮🇩 pelaksanaan

🇺🇦 виконання

🇵🇱 wykonanie

🇯🇵 実行 (じっこう)

🇫🇷 exécution

🇪🇸 ejecución

🇹🇷 icra

🇰🇷 실행 (실행)

🇸🇦 تنفيذ

🇨🇿 provedení

🇸🇰 vykonanie

🇨🇳 执行 (zhíxíng)

🇸🇮 izvedba

🇮🇸 framkvæmd

🇰🇿 орындау

🇬🇪 შესრულება

🇦🇿 icra

🇲🇽 ejecución

Etymology

The word 'execution' originated from Middle English and Old French, ultimately derived from Latin 'executio' meaning 'a carrying out'. The term has been used in various contexts including law, computing, business, and military. It signifies the act of putting plans into action or carrying out a task. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, reflecting the diverse applications of executing tasks or actions.

See also: executability, executable, executing, executioner, executions, executive, executively, executives, executor, executors.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,064, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.