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.

---

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

AI is revolutionary, but as Mr. Tyrangiel stresses, its implementation tends to be evolutionary.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

UniCredit said the agreement it signed was nonbinding, and that completion of the transaction is subject to the signing of binding documentation, implementation of the spinoff and regulatory approvals.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

"We remain fully committed, on both sides, to its implementation," she said on X.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on Friday hailed the start of the deal's implementation, stating on X: "Provisional application will show the agreement’s tangible benefits."

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

They say no plan survives first contact with implementation.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir