executive

The word “executive” means a senior manager with authority to make important decisions in a company or organization. In plain terms, a top-level decision-maker in a business or government, or anything relating to that role.

“Executive” is pronounced ihg-ZEHK-yuu-tihv (/ɪɡˈzɛkjətɪv/ in IPA).

Here is “executive” used in a sentence: “She was promoted to senior executive after ten years at the firm.”

Depending on how it is used, “executive” can be a noun and an adjective.

The word “executive” comes from Latin. From Latin exsequi, "to follow through" — via Middle French executif.

“Executive” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Executive” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a senior manager with authority to make important decisions in a company or organization.

An executive sits at the top of an organization, setting overall strategy and making major decisions that shape its direction. A manager works below that level, overseeing day-to-day operations and the staff who carry out the plans. In short, executives decide where the company goes; managers run how it gets there.

Senior executives are often called the 'C-suite' after their titles. Common roles include the CEO (chief executive officer), who leads the whole organization; the CFO (chief financial officer), responsible for finances; the COO for operations; and others such as the CTO for technology and CMO for marketing.

An executive makes the high-level decisions that steer a company — setting goals, approving budgets, shaping strategy, and hiring senior staff. Rather than handling daily tasks personally, executives guide the organization's overall direction and are held responsible for its performance and results to owners or a board.