What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
conscription
Example
The government implemented conscription to increase the number of soldiers in the army. [conscription: noun]
Example
He was conscripted into the army at the age of 18. [conscripted: verb]
draft
Example
The draft was used during the Vietnam War to select individuals for military service. [draft: noun]
Example
He was drafted into the army during World War II. [drafted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Draft is more commonly used than conscription in everyday language, especially in the United States. Conscription is more commonly used in other countries that have implemented compulsory military service.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between conscription and draft?
Both conscription and draft are formal terms that are typically used in legal or political contexts, especially when referring to the implementation of compulsory military service.
