implementation
The implementation of the new policy will begin next month.
The new policy will start being put into practice next month.
the act of putting a decision, plan, or agreement into effect
The software implementation took longer than expected due to technical challenges.
Developing the software according to the plan took more time than anticipated.
Effective implementation of sustainable practices requires employee training.
To successfully put sustainable practices into action, workers need to be trained.
Often used in business, technology, law, and project management contexts.
Collocations
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'compliance'
'Implementation' refers to the process of putting a plan into action, while 'compliance' means adhering to rules or standards. They are related but distinct concepts.
Gold Rule
Use 'implementation' for processes, not results
The word describes the act of carrying out a plan, not the outcome. For example, 'The implementation of the new system was completed' (correct) vs. 'The implementation was successful' (correct but focuses on the process). The result would be 'The new system is now operational'.
Word Origin
Late Middle English (in the sense 'filling or completion'): from Old French *implementation*, from medieval Latin *implementatio(n-)*, from *implementare* 'fill up' (see implement). The current sense dates from the late 19th century.
Usage Notes
While 'implementation' can refer to any process of putting something into action, it is most commonly used in professional or technical contexts (e.g., software implementation, policy implementation). In everyday speech, simpler terms like 'putting into practice' or 'doing' are often preferred.