Definition

Noun: - The complete number or amount needed to form a whole group or team: It refers to the total set of members or items required for a specific unit, such as a crew, staff, or set, to be considered complete and fully operational.

Usage

This noun is typically used to describe a group, especially in organizational, military, or crew contexts, where a specific number is required for full functionality. It is often preceded by "the" or "a" and followed by "of."

Examples

• Noun:
  • The ship set sail with a full complement of officers and sailors.
  • Our department finally has its full complement of staff after the new hires.
  • The library's full complement of reference books is now available to the public.

Advanced Usage

• "To be at full complement": To have the complete number of required members or items.
  • The battalion is now at full complement and ready for deployment.
• "To reach full complement": To achieve the complete required number.
  • The research team hopes to reach its full complement by the end of the quarter.

Variants and Related Words

• Complement (n/v): As a noun, it can mean something that completes or goes well with something. As a verb, it means to add to something in a way that enhances or improves it.
  • The wine is a perfect complement to the cheese. (Noun)
  • The new software will complement the existing system. (Verb)
• Complementary (adj): Combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize each other's qualities.
  • They have complementary skills, making them a great team.

Synonyms

• Quota: A fixed share of something that a person or group is entitled to receive or is bound to contribute.
• Allowance: An amount of something permitted.
• Contingent: A group of people united by some common feature, forming part of a larger group.

Important Note on Confusables

• Compliment (n/v): An expression of praise or admiration. This is a different word with a different meaning.
  • She paid him a compliment on his presentation. (Noun)
  • He complimented her on her hard work. (Verb)

Noun

1. number needed to make up a whole force
   • a full complement of workers