executed

American  

[ek-si-kyoo-tid] / ˈɛk sɪˌkyu tɪd /

adjective

1. carried out or acted on; performed.

   Doctors and nurses protested the central government's poorly executed offloading of healthcare responsibility to county governments.

2. put to death according to law.

   Historically, an executed criminal was first buried in a public plot and only a year later transferred to the family grave.

3. murdered or assassinated, especially swiftly and dispassionately or with political motivation.

   Videos even show the guerillas rejoicing over their executed victims.

4. produced from a design or concept, as a piece of art or other skilled work.

   From the smoky wood flavors of seasonal appetizers to the finely executed desserts, the bistro keeps customers coming back for more.

5. Law.

   1. (of a law, judicial sentence, etc.) put into force or effect.

      The Board is established for the purpose of hearing and deciding on appeals of a lawfully executed order.

   2. (of a legal instrument) completed or transacted by fulfilling legal requirements, as by signing or sealing.

      To access this funding, municipalities must submit signed construction contracts and an executed loan agreement by June 17.

6. Computers. (of a program, routine, or instruction) carried out.

   Press F11, and the most recently executed launch configuration will be launched.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of execute.

Other Word Forms

• unexecuted adjective
• well-executed adjective

Etymology

Origin of executed

execute ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

By contrast, U.S. and Israeli operations in the Gulf, though superbly executed, have taken place under more permissive conditions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

At times, Liverpool executed the press well, with their front three blocking PSG's makeshift back three - before Frimpong jumped up to press whichever home player had rotated to the left side of defence.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

McDuff was recaptured in 1992 and executed in 1998.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

“I thought it was executed perfectly,” said Miller, the third baseman on the play.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Even this one easily executed task, retrieving the wallet of a man they’d held in a cage a few yards away, seemed, in the context, an act of great courage and empathy.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers