compulsory meaning and examples thumbnail

compulsory meaning and examples

2025-09-06

Meaning

Compulsory means something that is required by law, rule, or authority; not optional. It indicates that a person is obligated to do something.

Grammar and Usage

  • Part of speech: Adjective

  • Used to describe rules, subjects, activities, or actions that people must follow or do.

  • Common structure:

    • It is compulsory to + verb
    • Compulsory + noun

Example: Wearing helmets is compulsory for motorcyclists.

Common Phrases

  • Compulsory education – mandatory schooling for children.
  • Compulsory insurance – insurance required by law.
  • Compulsory service – mandatory public or military service.
  • Make something compulsory – to establish a rule that forces people to do something.

Collocations

  • compulsory education
  • compulsory military service
  • compulsory attendance
  • compulsory insurance
  • compulsory subject

Examples

  1. Seat belts are compulsory in most countries.
  2. Attendance at the training session is compulsory for all employees.
  3. Mathematics is a compulsory subject in secondary school.
  4. Health insurance is compulsory under this law.
  5. Wearing a uniform is compulsory at this school.
  6. Military service is compulsory for young men in some countries.
  7. It is compulsory to register your vehicle with the local authorities.
  8. Compulsory voting exists in certain democratic nations.
  • Mandatory
  • Obligatory
  • Required
  • Enforced
  • Binding

Antonym

  • Optional
  • Voluntary
  • Elective