obligatory

/əˈblɪɡət(ə)ɹi/adjective

Required by law, rules, or duty; something you must do.

Example sentence

“Attendance at the safety training is obligatory for all new employees.”

Often ironic: 'the obligatory group photo' is one taken because it is always taken.

Featured as word of the day on January 23, 2026.

Related words

obliterateTo destroy something so completely that nothing remains.objectiveBased on facts rather than personal feelings or opinions; fair and unbiased.oblivionThe condition of being completely forgotten, or of noticing nothing around you.obfuscateTo make something confusing or difficult to understand on purpose.obliviousNot noticing or not aware of what is happening around you (usually followed by to or of).obedientDoing what you are told by people in charge, without arguing.