# SLA

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sla
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

Stands for Service Level Agreement. A formal contract between a service provider and a customer that lists exactly what service will be provided and how good it must be.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Service Level Agreement. A formal contract between a service provider and a client that specifies the expected level of service, including metrics for quality, availability, and responsibilities.

## Examples

- The company failed to meet the SLA for internet uptime.
- Our cloud provider guarantees 99.9% availability as part of the standard SLA, with financial penalties if they fall below that target.
- Negotiating a robust SLA is critical for enterprise software procurement, as it establishes the legal framework for performance monitoring and dispute resolution throughout the contract's duration.

## Usage notes

- Often used in business and IT contexts; typically takes the definite article ('the SLA') or an indefinite article ('an SLA').

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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.