regulatory

[ reg-yuh-luh-tawr-ee ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the control or direction of an activity by a set of rules, laws, etc.:

   The Coast Guard is to be commended for this current regulatory effort, as their proposed restriction addresses many concerns of the seafaring community.

2. of or relating to the adjustment of a device, system, or organic function so as to meet a standard or the requirements of good operation:

   Earth's climate is a highly complex system with its own regulatory mechanisms.

Other Words From

• an·ti·reg·u·la·to·ry adjective
• non·reg·u·la·to·ry adjective
• un·reg·u·la·to·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of regulatory¹

regulat(e) ( def ) + -ory ¹( def )

Example Sentences

In apparent response to the GOP wins, small-cap stocks, along with financial and traditional energy sectors — including oil, gas and coal — performed particularly well following the election and may continue to benefit from anticipated new policies, such as corporate tax cuts, reduced regulatory oversight for financial institutions and fewer environmental restrictions on fossil fuel production.

From Salon

Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX has received billions of dollars in federal contracts, and could be line for more, while his five other businesses could gain from a lighter regulatory touch.

From Los Angeles Times

Also targeted by Ramaswamy for elimination when he was a presidential candidate: the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.

From Los Angeles Times

In contrast to Woods’ advice, Trump promises to significantly cut funding for environmental regulatory agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

From Salon

He accused the agency of "regulatory overreach".

From BBC

Related Words

• administrative
• managerial