# entail

/ɛnˈteɪɫ/ (US) · /ɛntˈeɪl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/entail
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to involve something as a necessary part or result. If a job entails travel, you must travel to do the job correctly.

For teachers: to involve or require something as an inevitable consequence. Transitive; typically takes a noun phrase or a gerund as its direct object.

## Examples

- The new job will entail a lot of travel.
- Repairing the old bridge will entail closing the main road for at least three months this summer.
- While the proposal promises significant long-term savings, it would necessarily entail a substantial initial investment that the current budget cannot support without external financing.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The project entails to work late." but "The project entails working late." — When followed by another action, this verb requires the -ing form (gerund) rather than the 'to' infinitive.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and often followed by a gerund (e.g., 'entails moving') rather than an infinitive.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.