selective service
C1Formal, official, historical
Definition
Meaning
A system of compulsory military service in which only certain individuals are conscripted, typically based on criteria like age, health, or lottery.
Any system of mandatory service or registration where selection is based on specific criteria rather than universal application; can metaphorically refer to any selective obligation or requirement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a proper noun referring to specific government systems, especially the U.S. Selective Service System. Can be used generically but often capitalized. Implies obligation, duty, and state authority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the term 'national service' is more common for historical conscription. 'Selective Service' is strongly associated with the U.S. government agency. The UK might use 'call-up' or 'conscription' in similar contexts.
Connotations
In the US, it carries strong historical and legal connotations (Vietnam War, draft registration). In the UK, it lacks that specific institutional resonance and is a more generic descriptive term.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English due to the existence of the Selective Service System. Rare in contemporary British English outside of discussions of US policy or comparative military studies.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be subject to + selective serviceregister with + the Selective Servicebe drafted through + selective serviceVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not typically used.
Academic
Used in political science, history, and sociology papers discussing conscription policies, citizenship, and state power.
Everyday
Used when discussing government obligations for young men (US), or historical military service.
Technical
Used in legal and governmental contexts referring to the specific U.S. laws and administrative machinery (Title 50, U.S. Code).
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The selective-service legislation was debated in Parliament.
- He received a selective-service notification.
American English
- The selective-service registration form must be completed.
- They discussed selective-service reform.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the past, many countries had selective service.
- Young men must often register for selective service.
- The debate over reinstating selective service continues in some political circles.
- Failure to register with the Selective Service can result in the loss of federal student aid.
- The efficacy of a modern selective service system in an era of high-tech warfare is a subject of considerable scholarly dispute.
- His analysis juxtaposed the equity of a lottery-based selective service with the moral hazards of a professional mercenary force.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SELECTIVE means choosing some, not all. SERVICE means work/duty. Selective Service = the government's system for SELECTING who must perform the SERVICE of military duty.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE STATE IS A SELECTOR (picking individuals for a duty). CITIZENSHIP IS A CONTRACT (with obligations like potential service).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'избирательное обслуживание' (which implies customer service). The correct conceptual equivalent is 'призыв на военную службу' or 'система призыва'. It is an institution, not an action.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He was selective serviced'). It is a noun phrase. Confusing it with 'community service' or 'national service' without the selective/draft connotation.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a selective service system?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring specifically to the U.S. Selective Service System, it is capitalized as a proper noun. When used generically to describe any similar system, it is often in lowercase.
Virtually all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants residing in the U.S., between the ages of 18 and 25, are required by law to register.
No. Registration only places one in a pool of individuals who could be drafted if Congress and the President authorize a draft. The U.S. has used an all-volunteer military since 1973.
'Selective service' specifically refers to compulsory military conscription. 'National service' is broader and can include mandatory non-military work for the state, such as in education, healthcare, or conservation.