implementation

American  

[im-pluh-muhn-tey-shuhn, ‑men‑] / ˌɪm plə mənˈteɪ ʃən, ‑mɛn‑ /

noun

1. the act of implementing, or putting into effect; fulfillment.

   The implementation of policies to conserve energy will involve personal sacrifice.

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Etymology

Origin of implementation

implement + -ation

Explanation

Implementation refers to the carrying out a plan, like your school's implementation of the new dress code that will start in August — for now, you can keep wearing your jeans. Implementation is the noun form of the verb implement, or "to carry out or accomplish," and you’ll often see it used in reference to a government plan or act. Use this word to describe the process of turning formal plans — often very detailed conceptual plans that will affect many — into reality. For example, the implementation of new parking fees means everyone has to put more money in the parking meters.

Example Sentences

Throughout its history, Apple has done more innovating than inventing, and that’s the case here: The concept of conversational AI isn’t new—but this implementation certainly will be.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

“People are fed up with the selective and uneven implementation of laws,” said Waddah Sadek, a member of parliament representing the neighborhood where the clashes occurred.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Their authorisation depends on implementation of a law on automated vehicles that entered force in 2024.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

The Israeli prime minister famously clashed with Bill Clinton over the implementation of the Oslo peace accords.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

“We could be sitting here, somebody from New York, London, Boston, San Francisco, all live. And maybe the implementation is in Singapore, so the Singapore person could also be live here... That’s globalization,” said Nilekani.

From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman