C1noun2K

Ruling

UK /["/ˈruːlɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈruːlɪŋ/"]/

Definition

an official decision made by somebody in a position of authority, especially a judge

In simple words: An official decision or order made by someone in power.

Examples

  • The court will make its ruling on the case next week.
  • The company intends to appeal against the ruling that it was negligent.
  • The court overturned the original ruling.
  • The judge's ruling is based on legal precedent.
  • The newspaper said that this was a ruling in favour of freedom of speech.
  • the European Court's ruling against detention without trial

Usage notes

Often used in legal contexts to describe decisions made by judges. It may not be appropriate in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

ruling + object

Memory hint

Think of 'ruling' like a king making a decree; it’s a decision from someone in charge.

Collocations

  • authoritative
  • definitive
  • unanimous
  • give
  • hand down
  • issue
  • ruling against
  • ruling by
  • ruling in favour/​favor of

Synonyms

  • decision
  • verdict
  • judgment
  • order
  • decree

Antonyms

  • submission
  • disobedience
  • defiance

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'ruling' as a verb instead of a noun.
  • Using 'ruling' to describe an opinion rather than an official decision.
  • Incorrectly using 'ruling' without a specific context, such as the type of case.