B2adjective formal 5K

Compulsory

UK /["/kəmˈpʌlsəri/"]/ US /["/kəmˈpʌlsəri/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

that must be done because of a law or a rule

Listen to definition

In simple words: Something that must be done or followed.

Examples

• English is a **compulsory subject** at this level.
• **compulsory education/schooling**
• The strikers are protesting against the threat of compulsory redundancies.
• It is compulsory for all motorcyclists to wear helmets.

Usage notes

Used in formal contexts, often in legal or academic settings. Avoid using in casual conversation; instead, use 'required' or 'mandatory' in those contexts.

Grammar pattern

compulsory + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'compulsory' as 'company policy' — something you have to follow.

Collocations

• compulsory education
• compulsory attendance
• compulsory courses
• compulsory insurance

Synonyms

• mandatory

Antonyms

• optional
• voluntary
• discretionary

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'optional'; it means the opposite.
• Often misspelled as 'compolsory'.
• Used incorrectly as an adverb; it is an adjective.