execution

American  

[ek-si-kyoo-shuhn] / ˌɛk sɪˈkyu ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of executing.

2. the state or fact of being executed.

3. the infliction of capital punishment or, formerly, of any legal punishment.

4. the process of performing a judgment or sentence of a court.

   The judge stayed execution of the sentence pending appeal.

5. a mode or style of performance; technical skill, as in music.

   The pianist's execution of the sonata was consummate.

6. effective, usually destructive action, or the result attained by it (usually preceded bydo ).

   The grenades did rapid execution.

7. Law. a judicial writ directing the enforcement of a judgment.

8. Computers. the act of running, or the results of having run, a program or routine, or the performance of an instruction.

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execution British  

/ ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of executing

2. the carrying out or undergoing of a sentence of death

3. the style or manner in which something is accomplished or performed; technique

   as a pianist his execution is poor

4. 1. the enforcement of the judgment of a court of law

   2. the writ ordering such enforcement

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Other Word Forms

• executional adjective
• nonexecution noun
• preexecution noun
• reexecution noun

Etymology

Origin of execution

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English execucioun, from Latin ex(s)ecūtiōn-, stem of ex(s)ecūtiō “accomplishment, performance”; equivalent to execute + -ion

Example Sentences

This would be led by data-center-related demand but moderated by execution and macro risks, the analyst says.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company said it was entering 2026 “against a pressured backdrop as it is slightly below the optimal booking range following certain execution missteps in aligning our commercial strategy with our deployment.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The aerial game is not working and players who were so composed and accurate during a 12-match winning streak are making consistent and uncharacteristic errors – whether in terms of decision-making, discipline or execution of skills.

From BBC

However, execution on product development could be tougher over the near term due to the 50% reduction in relevant staff.

From The Wall Street Journal

“With strategic clarity, disciplined execution, and a solid capital position, we embark on a new phase of value creation,” Chief Executive Luigi Lovaglio said.

From The Wall Street Journal