B2nounformal2K

Executive

UK /["/ɪɡˈzekjətɪv/"]/US /["/ɪɡˈzekjətɪv/"]/

Definition

a person who has an important job as a manager of a company or an organization

In simple words: A person who makes important decisions in a company.

Examples

The executive made the final decision on the company's new policy.
She was promoted to an executive position after years of hard work.
As an executive, he reported directly to the board of directors.
The executive committee was responsible for overseeing the project.
She took an executive decision to change the marketing strategy.
The executive branch of the government is headed by the president.
His role as an executive requires a lot of strategic thinking.

Usage notes

Used in business contexts when referring to someone in a high-ranking position. It's formal and may not be appropriate in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of an 'exec' making big decisions at an office.

Collocations

chief
senior
high-flying
central
national
political
control
decide something
member
meeting
board
a member of an executive
central
national
political
control
decide something
member
meeting
board
a member of an executive

Synonyms

manager
director
leader
supervisor
administrator

Antonyms

subordinate
employee

Common mistakes

Confused with 'executive' as a verb (it is only a noun in this sense).
Using it in informal contexts where simpler terms like 'boss' could fit better.