WordGarden.ioexecution
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɛksɪkjˈuːʃən/
US
- /ˌɛksəkˈjuʃən/
Meanings
Noun
the act of carrying out or putting a plan, order, or task into effect
the killing of a person as a legal punishment
the running of a computer program or instruction
More meaningsFewer meanings
the formal signing or completion of a legal document
the skill or manner with which a move, maneuver, or routine is performed
Beyond the definition
"Execution" is often used for the act of carrying something out and turning a plan into real action. It can describe how well someone performs or completes something, like the execution of a business plan, a dance move, or a design idea. It also has a legal meaning: the carrying out of a death sentence. In everyday use, though, it usually points to how something is done, not just the idea behind it.
The word "execution" has a broad range of meanings, all connected to the idea of carrying something through to completion. Many people first think of the legal meaning: the carrying out of a death sentence. That is one important meaning of the word, but it is far from the only one.
More commonly, "execution" refers to the act of putting a plan, idea, or task into effect. A successful business venture needs not just a good concept but also strong execution, meaning the details are handled well in real life. In creative work, the word can describe how skillfully something is done. You might praise the execution of a painting, a speech, or a piece of music.
In project management, "execution" can name the stage when the actual work is being done. A poorly executed plan can fail even if the original idea was excellent. Think about building a house: the blueprints are the plan, but laying the foundation and raising the walls are the execution.
The word also has technical meanings in other fields. In computer science, it refers to a computer carrying out the instructions in a program. In art, it can refer to the technical skill and style with which an artist brings an idea to life.
So, while "execution" can carry strong legal and emotional associations, it is very often used to describe the doing of something planned or intended. At its core, the word is about moving from idea to action, and often about how well that action is carried out.
Examples
- 1
Practical results
Good execution matters more than a brilliant idea.
- 2
Poor implementation
We had a solid plan, but the execution was poor.
- 3
Design quality
Her design was simple, but the execution was flawless.
- 4
Sports performance
The coach praised the team’s execution in the final minutes.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Workplace success
Success in this job depends on careful planning and consistent execution.
- 6
Legal signing
The lawyer was present for the execution of the contract.
- Domainin law, execution of a contract
the formal signing that makes it legally valid
- 7
Death penalty
The novel opens on the night before the prisoner’s execution.
See also
Similar
- implementation
- carrying out
- performance
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
- capital punishment sense
Used with (collocations)
- flawless execution
- execution of a plan
- poor execution
- strategy and execution
Word family
Explore
- follow-through
- operations
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- executionnoun
Forms
- executionspluralnoun