B2nounformal2K

Regulation

UK /["/ˌreɡjuˈleɪʃn/"]/US /["/ˌreɡjuˈleɪʃn/"]/

Definition

an official rule made by a government or some other authority

In simple words: A rule or law that controls how something is done.

Examples

  • The new regulation will come into effect next month to ensure better safety standards.
  • She felt that the regulation imposed too many restrictions on small businesses.
  • Regulation of environmental practices is essential for sustainable development.
  • The financial sector is under strict regulation to prevent fraud and corruption.
  • A lack of regulation can lead to serious consequences for public health.

Usage notes

Use 'regulation' in formal contexts like legal discussions or government documents. Avoid in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

regulation + object

Memory hint

Think of 'regulation' as 'regulating' to keep things in check.

Collocations

  • strict
  • stringent
  • tight
  • comply with
  • conform to
  • meet
  • be designed to
  • control something
  • govern something
  • uniform
  • against (the) regulations
  • in (the) regulation
  • under (the) regulation
  • a breach of the regulations
  • compliance with a regulation
  • in accordance with (the) regulations
  • strict
  • tight
  • tough
  • call for
  • demand
  • introduce
  • regulation by
  • regulation of

Synonyms

  • rule
  • law
  • guideline
  • policy
  • directive

Antonyms

  • chaos
  • anarchy
  • disorder

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'regulate' as a verb.
  • Used in informal settings where simpler words are better.
  • Misunderstood as only negative rules, but it can refer to beneficial guidelines.