implementation

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   The act of carrying out a plan, rule, or decision so that it actually takes effect.

   Grammar: Often followed by of: the implementation of the new policy.

   Patterns

   • the implementation of something
   • implementation by someone

   The implementation of the recycling scheme began in spring.

   Poor implementation ruined an otherwise good idea.

   The council oversaw the implementation of the safety rules.

2. 2nouncountablecomputingtechnical

   A particular working version or realization of an idea, design, or standard, especially in software.

   Grammar: Countable here: several implementations of the same protocol.

   Patterns

   • an implementation of something

   This library is a fast implementation of the sorting algorithm.

   Two different implementations of the standard exist.

   We tested the first implementation before adding features.

Word forms

Common combinations

successful implementation

Successful implementation depends on staff training.

implementation plan

The team drafted an implementation plan.

full implementation

Full implementation will take two years.

delay the implementation

Budget issues delayed the implementation of the project.

implementation of a policy

The implementation of a policy needs clear leadership.

Synonyms and how they differ

execution

Execution stresses doing the work carefully, while implementation stresses making a plan real.

rollout

Rollout is informal and means introducing something in stages.

enforcement

Enforcement means making people obey a rule, which is narrower than implementation.

realization

Realization is a more abstract word for turning an idea into reality.

Opposites

Word family

implement verb

to put a plan into action

implement noun

a tool or instrument

implementable adjective

able to be carried out

implementer noun

a person who carries out a plan

Commonly confused: implementation or imitation?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “implementation”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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