# policymaking

/ˈpɑɫəsiˌmeɪkɪŋ/ (US) · /pˈɒlɪsˌɪmeɪkɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/policymaking
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

the process of making official rules and plans for a government, company, or group. You use it when talking about how big decisions become law or policy.

For teachers: the process by which governments, organizations, or institutions formulate and adopt policies, laws, or courses of action. Often collocates with verbs such as 'inform', 'shape', and 'influence'.

## Examples

- Policymaking affects schools, hospitals, and roads every day.
- Local residents attended the town hall to give feedback on new housing policymaking.
- Effective policymaking requires balancing economic data, public opinion, and long-term environmental costs that rarely align neatly.

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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.