Word
compulsory
Phoneticscom·pul·so·ry, stress on the second syllable
US/kəmˈpəɫsɝi/
UK/kəmpˈʌlsəɹˌi/
Definitions
01required by rules
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describes something you must do because it is a law or a rule.
adj. required by law or a firm rule; obligatory. Often used in contexts of education, military service, or safety regulations.
“In many countries, it is compulsory to wear a seatbelt while driving.”
“The government introduced compulsory primary education in the late nineteenth century to ensure a basic level of literacy across the population.”
Usage
Commonly followed by 'for' to indicate who must comply, or 'to' followed by an infinitive verb.
Pitfall
The meeting is compulsory for all of us.
Attendance at the meeting is compulsory.
While you can say a task is compulsory, it is more common and natural to say that 'attendance' or 'participation' is compulsory rather than the people themselves.
Synonyms
02required elements in a sport
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Sports Technical
n. a specific move or exercise that every person in a competition must perform.
n. a required move, routine, or exercise in a competition, particularly in sports like figure skating or gymnastics.
“The skater performed the compulsories perfectly but struggled during the creative part of the program.”
“Although she excelled in the freestyle segment, her lower scores in the technical compulsories kept her off the podium.”
Usage
Usually used in the plural form 'compulsories' when referring to the set of required exercises.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “compulsory” in context.
Verb
01. make education compulsory
“The government decided to make secondary education compulsory for all citizens.”
verb + noun + adj
02. remain compulsory
“Wearing a seatbelt will remain compulsory regardless of the vehicle type.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. compulsory for students
“The introductory seminar is compulsory for students in their first year.”
adj + prep
04. compulsory to attend
“It is compulsory to attend the safety briefing before entering the construction site.”
adj + infinitive
05. legally compulsory
“It is legally compulsory for employers to provide a safe working environment.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. compulsory education
“Most countries have a system of compulsory education until the age of sixteen.”
adj + noun
07. compulsory military service
“Several nations still require young men to complete a year of compulsory military service.”
adj + noun
08. compulsory redundancy
“The company tried to avoid compulsory redundancy by offering early retirement packages.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“He said: "As families prepare for the new school year, limiting the number of compulsory branded items should make a real difference.” “Angela Rayner, the then shadow education secretary, said in 2018 that a Labour government would scrap compulsory resits.” Etymology
Borrowed from Late Latin compulsorius, from Latin compulsus. Displaced native Old English ġenīedelīċ.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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