ratification

[rat-uh-fi-key-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of ratifying; confirmation; sanction.

2. the state of being ratified.

ratification

1. The approval from the legislative branch required to validate government agreements. In the United States, amendments to the Constitution require the ratification of state legislatures, and international treaties require the ratification of the Senate.

Other Word Forms

• ratificationist noun
• nonratification noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ratification¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Medieval Latin ratificātiōn- (stem of ratificātiō ), equivalent to ratificāt ( us ) (past participle of ratificāre to ratify ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

But with a four-day IMO gathering nearing a close Friday, member countries voted instead to push back the ratification.

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The petition has been stalled for weeks, just one signature shy of ratification.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Due to the highly controlled conditions, Kipchoge’s effort wasn’t eligible for world-record ratification—no one has run a marathon in under 2 hours in competition.

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Macron also asked both camps to resume talks immediately, saying any pause in the bill’s ratification was intended to give the factions time to reach a broader agreement.

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The competition is still seeking World Rugby ratification, which can only be granted by June at the earliest.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• approval 
• authorization 
• confirmation 
• enactment 
• sanction