submittal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Official / Technical (especially in construction, engineering, and procurement)
Quick answer
What does “submittal” mean?
The act of formally presenting something for consideration or approval.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of formally presenting something for consideration or approval.
The formal presentation or handing over of a document, proposal, or piece of work to an authority or for official review; also, the specific document or item presented.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'submission' is overwhelmingly preferred. 'Submittal' is extremely rare and often seen as an Americanism. In American English, 'submittal' is used in specific formal/professional contexts, particularly in construction, engineering, and legal/contractual documentation.
Connotations
In American usage, 'submittal' often implies a formal, documented, and contractual step in a process. In British usage, using 'submittal' may sound affected, overly technical, or like unnecessary jargon. 'Submission' is the neutral, standard term.
Frequency
Very high frequency of 'submission' in all British contexts. Low frequency of 'submittal' in British English (near-zero). Low to medium frequency of 'submittal' in specific American professional domains; medium to high frequency of 'submission' in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “submittal” in a Sentence
The submittal of [document/plan/report] to [authority/client]Prepare/complete the [required/technical] submittal.Awaiting approval of the submittal.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “submittal” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The report must be submitted by Friday.
- They submitted their plans for review.
American English
- Please submit the form online.
- We will submit our bid before the deadline.
adverb
British English
- [No adverb form]
American English
- [No adverb form]
adjective
British English
- [No specific adjective form. Use 'submission' as a modifier: e.g., 'submission date'].
American English
- [No specific adjective form. Use attributive noun: e.g., 'submittal requirements', 'submittal log'].
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in procurement and contract management (e.g., 'The vendor's submittal must include three references.')
Academic
Very rare. 'Submission' is used for thesis/journals (e.g., 'paper submission').
Everyday
Virtually never used. One would say 'I sent in my application' not 'I made an application submittal.'
Technical
Common in construction/engineering specs (e.g., 'The contractor's submittal for the steel beams is pending.')
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “submittal”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “submittal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “submittal”
- Using 'submittal' in general conversation or writing where 'submission' would be natural. Confusing it with 'subtle' or 'subsidy' in spelling/pronunciation. Treating it as a verb (it is only a noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'submittal' is a recognized noun, primarily in American English, used in formal, technical, and bureaucratic contexts to mean 'the act of submitting' or 'the thing submitted.'
'Submission' is the standard, general-purpose noun. 'Submittal' is a more specific, formal term often used in professional/contractual settings (like construction, engineering, procurement) to refer to a required, documented submission. In most cases, they are interchangeable, but 'submission' is always safe.
No. Stick with the more common and universally accepted 'submission.' Using 'submittal' might be marked as an error or an odd word choice, as it is niche jargon.
No. The verb is 'to submit.' 'Submittal' is exclusively a noun.
The act of formally presenting something for consideration or approval.
Submittal is usually formal / official / technical (especially in construction, engineering, and procurement) in register.
Submittal: in British English it is pronounced /səbˈmɪt(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /səbˈmɪt̬(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms. Related to formal processes.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as the 'formal product' of the verb 'submit' - you perform the act of 'submitting' and the official package you hand over is the 'submittal' (like 'propose' -> 'proposal').
Conceptual Metaphor
SUBMISSION IS A FORMAL TRANSFER (OF RESPONSIBILITY/ITEM).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'submittal' MOST appropriately used?