Compulsory Meaning
/kəmˈpʌlsəɹi/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjRequired; obligatory; mandatory.
adjHaving the power of compulsion; constraining.
Sentence Examples
The scholar regards so-called compulsory education as useless.
Attendance is compulsory for all members.
English is a compulsory subject at this level.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
Wearing a seatbelt is a ____ requirement for all drivers.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Voting in some countries is ____, meaning you must participate by law.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Late Latin compulsorius, from Latin compulsus. Displaced native Old English ġenīedelīċ.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"They are entirely private concerns, established by individual teachers, and attendance upon them is no more compulsory than attendance on our dispensaries."
— 1827, A. D. Jr., Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal, A. and C. Black, page 212:
"Some might agree that membership in the firm is perhaps more compulsory than membership in a municipality, but balk at applying the analogy to the nation."
— 1996, Ugo Pagano, Democracy and Efficiency in the Economic Enterprise, page 73:
"Imagine a country where children do nothing but play until they start compulsory schooling at age seven. Then, without exception, they attend comprehensives until the age of 16. Charging school fees is illegal, and so is sorting pupils into ability groups by streaming or setting."
— 2013 July 19, Peter Wilby, “Finland spreads word on schools”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 189, number 6, page 30:
"I haven't booked, so I don't have a clue as to whether the service will be busy or not. Supposedly, reservations are compulsory, but I want to find out what would happen if you just turn up."
— 2020 December 2, Paul Bigland, “My weirdest and wackiest Rover yet”, in Rail, page 68:
"There will be financial and other incentives to encourage voluntary recruitment, but if that fails to find the numbers a compulsory nationwide call-up will be reconsidered."
— 2025 November 13, Kate Connolly, “Germany decides against conscription to replenish post-cold war military”, in The Guardian:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Wearing a seatbelt is a ____ requirement for all drivers.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Voting in some countries is ____, meaning you must participate by law.