execution
ehk-sih-KYOO-shuhn
Execution (noun) means the act of carrying out a plan, task, or performance, and how skillfully it is done. Example: “The idea was good, but the execution was sloppy.”
noun
1
The act of carrying out a plan, task, or performance, and how skillfully it is done.
"The idea was good, but the execution was sloppy."
"The chef's execution of the recipe was flawless, and the dish looked beautiful."
"Careful execution of the plan saved the team a great deal of time."
2
The act of putting a condemned person to death.
"The country abolished the execution of prisoners many years ago."
"Campaigners gathered outside the prison on the night before the execution."
"His execution was carried out by lethal injection."
3
In computing, the process of running a program.
"The error appeared partway through the program's execution."
"Pausing the execution of the script lets you inspect each variable."
"Execution is slow on this old laptop because it has little memory."
How to use execution
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow well something is carried out — or, in a darker sense, the act of putting someone to death.
Common pairings
flawless execution
stay of execution
execution of a program
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Word forms
- Plural
- executions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The idea was good, but the _____ was sloppy.
Etymology
From Latin exsecutio, from exsequi, "to follow out."
Synonyms
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performance
implementation
accomplishment
carrying out
completion
delivery
murder
executing
slaying
pursuance
Related words
Rhymes for execution
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for execution →
Frequently asked questions
What does “execution” mean?
The word “execution” means the act of carrying out a plan, task, or performance, and how skillfully it is done. In plain terms, how well something is carried out — or, in a darker sense, the act of putting someone to death.
How do you pronounce “execution”?
“Execution” is pronounced ehk-sih-KYOO-shuhn (/ˌɛk.sɪˈkjuː.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “execution” in a sentence?
Here is “execution” used in a sentence: “The idea was good, but the execution was sloppy.”
What is another word for “execution”?
Words with a similar meaning to “execution” include pursuance.
What part of speech is “execution”?
“Execution” is a noun.
Where does the word “execution” come from?
The word “execution” comes from Latin. From Latin exsecutio, from exsequi, "to follow out.".
Is “execution” a common word?
“Execution” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “execution” have?
“Execution” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of carrying out a plan, task, or performance, and how skillfully it is done.
What is the difference between 'execution' and 'implementation'?
Both refer to carrying out a plan, but 'execution' emphasises the act and skill of doing it, often judged by how well it is performed, while 'implementation' stresses putting a system or decision into effect over time. A strategy's execution is how effectively the plan is carried out.
Why can 'execution' mean both carrying out a task and putting someone to death?
Both senses share the core idea of carrying something out. One sense is completing a plan, task, or performance; the other is carrying out a death sentence on a condemned person. Context makes the intended meaning clear.
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