regulation
gb/ɹˌɛɡjəlˈeɪʃən/ us/ɹˌɛɡjəlˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 1500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
official rule or directive
An official rule made by the government or another authority.
Usage pattern:
[authority] issues [a regulation] on [topic]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'regulation' with 'law'. While all laws are regulations in a broad sense, 'regulation' usually refers to specific rules made under the authority of a law, often by agencies.
Synonyms
rule (A more general term for any guiding principle or instruction, not necessarily issued by an authority.)
|
directive (A formal order, often used in official or bureaucratic contexts.)
Antonyms
deregulation (The removal or reduction of regulations in a particular industry or sector.)
Collocations
government regulation
|safety regulation
|environmental regulation
|strict regulation
|regulation compliance
Themes
law
|government
|business
|politics
Examples
- The new environmental regulation will reduce factory emissions.
- Companies must follow strict safety regulations to protect workers.
- The regulation requires all toys to be tested for safety before sale.
- International trade is subject to complex regulations.
- The city passed a regulation banning smoking in public parks.
Learner examples
- There is a new regulation about food safety.
- The school has a regulation about uniforms.
- We must follow the safety regulation.
Noun
B2
action
2
process of control by rules
The act of controlling something by using rules.
Usage pattern:
the regulation of [activity/process]
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse this meaning with 'rule' itself; here it refers to the action or system of controlling, not the rule object.
Synonyms
control (A broader term that can refer to influence or restraint in many contexts, not just rule-based.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failure to apply control or oversight.)
Collocations
regulation of industry
|regulation of traffic
|financial regulation
|regulation process
Themes
law
|management
|economy
|business
Examples
- Government agencies are responsible for the regulation of financial markets.
- Effective regulation of traffic can prevent accidents.
- The regulation of water usage is essential during droughts.
- This department oversees the regulation of food safety standards.
Learner examples
- The city works on the regulation of traffic.
- Regulation of water is important in summer.
- The bank follows the regulation of money transfers.
Noun
technical
B2
action
3
adjustment for correct operation
The act of making a machine or system work correctly and at the right level.
Usage pattern:
regulation of [machine/system]
Synonyms
adjustment (A general term for making small changes to improve function, not always rule-based.)
Antonyms
malfunction (Failure to operate correctly, often due to lack of proper regulation.)
Collocations
temperature regulation
|voltage regulation
|speed regulation
Themes
technology
|engineering
|science
Examples
- The thermostat handles the regulation of room temperature automatically.
- Proper voltage regulation is important for electronic devices.
- The engine's performance depends on precise fuel regulation.
Learner examples
- A thermostat helps with temperature regulation.
- Voltage regulation keeps the computer safe.
- Good fuel regulation makes the car run well.
adjective
B2
property
4
conforming to standard requirements
Following an official standard or rule.
Usage pattern:
regulation [item/clothing]
Synonyms
standard (General term for what is normal or accepted; not necessarily imposed by rules.)
Antonyms
nonstandard (Not conforming to established rules or specifications.)
Collocations
regulation size
|regulation uniform
|regulation equipment
Themes
military
|sports
|law
|business
Examples
- Players must wear regulation uniforms during matches.
- The court is built to regulation size.
- All equipment must be of regulation quality.
Learner examples
- Soldiers wear regulation boots.
- The ball is the regulation size.
- He has a regulation uniform for work.
Grammar
Dictionary form
regulation
IPA
GB/ɹˌɛɡjəlˈeɪʃən/
US/ɹˌɛɡjəlˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
reg - u - la - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (la)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: regulation
- Plural: regulation, regulations
Word family
Forms
regulations
noun
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
follow regulations
1/fˈɑloʊ ɹˌɛɡjəlˈeɪʃənz/
fixed phrase
obey official rules
To do things according to official rules or laws.
Examples
- Employees must follow regulations when handling chemicals.
- The company follows all safety regulations.
in accordance with regulations
1/ˈɪn əkˈɔɹdəns wˈɪθ ɹˌɛɡjəlˈeɪʃənz/
fixed phrase
formal
agree with official rules
Done in a way that matches official rules or laws.
Examples
- All building work must be in accordance with regulations.
- The documents were prepared in accordance with regulations.
tighten regulations
1/tˈaɪtən ɹˌɛɡjəlˈeɪʃənz/
fixed phrase
make rules more strict
To make official rules stronger and harder to avoid.
Examples
- The government decided to tighten regulations on air pollution.
- After the accident, they tightened regulations for workplace safety.
under regulation
1/ˈʌndɚ ɹˌɛɡjəlˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
controlled by official rules
Controlled by official rules or laws.
Examples
- This industry is under strict government regulation.
- All financial institutions are under regulation to protect customers.