English Reference

Word

instruction

Phoneticsin·struc·tion, stress on the second syllable

US/ˌɪnˈstɹəkʃən/

UK/ɪnstɹˈʌkʃən/

Definitions

01teaching or training

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Formal

n. the act of teaching someone a subject or a skill.

n. the process of providing information, knowledge, or training in a structured manner.

“The course provides basic instruction in how to use the software.”

“The curriculum focuses on individualized instruction, ensuring that each student masters the fundamental concepts before moving to advanced theory.”

Usage

Often used as an uncountable noun in this sense.

02directions for use

A2 · Elementary Plural noun

n. a set of steps that tell you how to do or use something.

n. a detailed set of directions provided to guide a user through a specific task or the operation of a device.

“I followed the instructions on the box to build the bookshelf.”

“The assembly instructions were translated poorly, leading to significant confusion among the technicians during the initial setup phase.”

Pitfall

I read the instruction for the camera.

I read the instructions for the camera.

When referring to the printed steps in a manual, the word is almost always used in the plural form.

03an order

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. an official order telling someone what they must do.

n. a specific command or directive issued by an authority figure or client.

“The soldiers had strict instructions not to fire unless attacked.”

“The legal team awaited further instructions from the client before filing the formal appeal with the high court.”

04computing command

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical

n. a single command that tells a computer what to do.

n. a basic command or operation defined by a computer's architecture that the processor can execute.

“The processor can execute millions of instructions every second.”

“The compiler optimizes the code by reducing the total number of instructions required to perform the calculation, thereby increasing execution speed.”

Usage

Countable in this technical context.

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “instruction” in context.

01. specific instruction

Etymology

From Middle English instruccioun, from Old French instruccion, from Latin instructio; equivalent to instruct + -ion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

instruction(A2)

Related words

Domains

ComputingLaw

This entry

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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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