C1noun2K

Execution

UK /["/ˌeksɪˈkjuːʃn/"]/US /["/ˌeksɪˈkjuːʃn/"]/

Definition

the act of killing somebody, especially as a legal punishment

In simple words: The act of doing something, especially in a planned way.

Examples

The execution of the project took longer than expected due to unforeseen challenges.
Successful execution of the plan requires careful coordination among all team members.
The execution of the code on the computer resulted in an error message.
The software's execution speed is crucial for user satisfaction.
The court ordered the execution of the death sentence after the final appeal was denied.
The execution of the condemned prisoner was carried out at dawn.

Usage notes

Use 'execution' in contexts related to carrying out plans or orders, especially in formal or legal situations. Avoid in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

execution + of + action

Memory hint

Think of 'exec'-ution as 'executing' a plan.

Collocations

public
mass
judicial
order
face
await
go ahead
take place
execution by
a stay of execution
effective
successful
proper
delay
stay
suspend
the execution of your duty
effective
successful
proper
delay
stay
suspend
the execution of your duty

Synonyms

implementation
performance
carrying out
fulfillment

Antonyms

inaction
failure
neglect

Common mistakes

Confused with 'executive' which refers to a person in a decision-making role.
Used in the wrong context, e.g., 'execution of a task' instead of 'execution in a legal sense'.