officials

word · lemma: official

/əˈfɪʃəɫz/
uh-FISH-uhlz
/əfˈɪʃəlz/
uh-FISH-uhlz

Definition

Officials are people who have an important position in an organization, government, or event and have the authority to make decisions or enforce rules. The word often refers to government representatives or people in charge of managing something formally.

Usage & Nuances

Common in news and formal contexts: 'government officials', 'city officials', 'election officials'. It can also mean referees or judges in sports. Don't confuse it with the adjective 'official', as in 'official statement'.

Example Sentences

The officials checked our passports at the airport.

basic

City officials closed the park after the storm.

basic

The game officials explained the new rule to the players.

basic

Local officials are under pressure to fix the traffic problem.

natural

The officials still haven't said when the train service will return.

natural

People were angry because officials ignored the warnings for too long.

natural