Word
commissioner
Meanings
an appointed official who oversees a department, region, or specific area of public work
a senior police official in charge of a police force or major division
a person who supervises and regulates a sports league or competition
Definition
A commissioner is an official appointed to manage, supervise, or make decisions for an organization or public body.
A commissioner is a person given formal authority to oversee an area of work, enforce rules, or lead an inquiry. Commissioners often work for governments, independent agencies, or large organizations. Depending on the context, they may set policy, investigate problems, or represent an institution in public.
Examples
- The commissioner announced a new oversight plan after months of public consultation.
- I emailed the commissioner to clarify how the updated rules would be enforced in my district.
- The commissioner met with community leaders to address concerns about staffing and response times.
- She criticized the commissioner for delaying the report, arguing that transparency mattered more than convenience.
- They said the commissioner’s decision set a precedent that other agencies would now have to follow.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse commissioner with commission (a fee) and use the wrong word when they mean an appointed official.
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