# statutory

/ˈstætʃəˌtɔɹi/ (US) · /stˈætʃuːtəɹˌi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/statutory
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

decided or controlled by a formal law. You use this to describe rights, rules, or duties that are written in legal documents rather than just being a habit.

For teachers: required, permitted, or enacted by statute; relating to rules established by legislative enactment rather than common law. Often used to distinguish formal legal requirements from contractual or customary ones.

## Examples

- All employees are entitled to a statutory minimum wage.
- The company has a statutory obligation to provide a safe working environment for all its staff members.
- While the internal policy suggests a two-week notice period, the statutory requirement remains the primary legal benchmark for resolving disputes regarding termination of employment.

## Usage notes

- Typically precedes the noun it modifies; frequently collocates with 'duty', 'obligation', 'requirement', or 'rights'.

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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.