What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
legislation
Example
The new legislation was passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President. [legislation: noun]
Example
The legislation on environmental protection has been updated to reflect new scientific findings. [legislation: noun]
Example
The company is required to comply with all relevant legislation regarding workplace safety. [legislation: noun]
regulation
Example
The new regulation requires all food manufacturers to list allergens on their packaging. [regulation: noun]
Example
The agency is responsible for regulating the safety of consumer products. [regulating: verb]
Example
The financial industry is subject to strict regulations to prevent fraud and protect consumers. [regulations: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Regulation is more commonly used than legislation in everyday language, as it is more specific and tangible. However, both terms are important to understand in legal and political contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between legislation and regulation?
Both legislation and regulation are formal terms that are typically used in legal and political contexts. However, legislation may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with the legislative process and the creation of laws.
