If you’ve written business emails, company announcements or workplace policies, you’ve probably wondered whether companywide should be written as one word or two. Since both forms appear online, it’s easy to assume they’re equally correct. However, the preferred spelling depends on the writing style you’re following.
In modern English, companywide (one word) is the standard spelling in most dictionaries and business writing. However, company wide (hyphenated) is also common, especially when used as a compound adjective before a noun or when following certain style guides. The open form company wide (two words without a hyphen) is the least common and is generally not recommended.
Quick Answer
Use companywide in most modern writing.
- ✅ Companywide = Standard one-word spelling.
- ✅ Company-wide = Also acceptable, especially as a compound adjective or under some style guides.
- ⚠️ Company wide = Usually avoided.
Examples:
- ✅ We announced a companywide policy.
- ✅ The company launched a company-wide initiative.
- ⚠️ The company announced a company wide policy.
Why People Confuse It
People confuse these forms because:
- English compound words often evolve over time.
- Different style guides recommend different spellings.
- Many websites use inconsistent formatting.
- Similar words, such as nationwide, worldwide, and statewide, are written as one word.
Today, companywide is becoming the dominant spelling in business English.
Companywide
Companywide is an adjective.
Meaning
It means:
- Affecting the entire company.
- Applying to all employees or departments.
- Taking place across the whole organization.
It is commonly used in:
- Business reports.
- HR documents.
- Internal communications.
- Corporate announcements.
Examples
- The CEO announced a companywide salary review.
- We introduced a companywide training program.
- Employee feedback led to companywide improvements.
- The update requires a companywide rollout.
- A companywide survey will begin next week.
Company Wide
Company wide (two separate words) is generally not the preferred spelling.
Many editors instead choose:
- Companywide
- Company-wide
Better Examples
- The organization adopted a companywide policy.
- The business launched a company wide campaign.
Companywide vs Company Wide Comparison Table
| Feature | Companywide | Company Wide |
|---|---|---|
| Standard dictionary spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ Usually no |
| Common in business writing | ✅ Yes | ❌ Rare |
| Preferred in most modern usage | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| May appear in informal writing | ⚠️ Sometimes | ✅ Occasionally |
| Recommended for professional documents | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
When to Use Each
Use companywide when writing:
- Business emails.
- Employee handbooks.
- Company policies.
- Annual reports.
- Internal announcements.
Examples:
- The company introduced companywide changes.
- We held a companywide meeting.
Use company wide if:
- Your organization’s style guide requires hyphenated compound adjectives.
- You’re following a style such as AP Style that may prefer hyphenation before a noun.
Example:
- A company wide initiative improved communication.
Avoid company wide unless you’re following a very specific house style.
Examples (10+)
- The CEO announced a companywide bonus.
- We conducted a companywide survey.
- The policy applies companywide.
- Employees attended a companywide meeting.
- The software update is companywide.
- The company launched a company wide wellness program.
- A company wide email was sent this morning.
- The companywide initiative reduced costs.
- Managers supported the companywide strategy.
- A companywide celebration marked the anniversary.
- The organization adopted companywide security standards.
- Every department participated in the companywide training.
Common Mistakes
❌ The company announced a company wide policy.
✅ The company announced a companywide policy.
✅ The company announced a company wide policy. (If following a style guide that prefers hyphenation.)
❌ Mixing companywide, company wide and company wide in the same document.
✅ Choose one style and use it consistently.
Memory Trick
Think of familiar words:
- Nationwide
- Worldwide
- Statewide
Like these, companywide is usually written as one word.
If your style guide prefers compound adjectives before nouns, remember:
Company wide policy
Otherwise, companywide works well in most situations.
American vs British English
There is no major difference between American and British English.
Both varieties:
- Widely accept companywide.
- Also use company wide, depending on editorial style.
- Generally avoid company wide as two separate words.
Many organizations simply follow their internal style guide for consistency.
Similar Words
If you’re learning commonly confused compounds and spellings, you may also like:
- Timeslot vs Time Slot
- Reevaluation vs Re Evaluation
- In Front vs Infront
- Companywide vs Nationwide
- Companywide vs Worldwide
- Targeted vs Targetted
- Reinforce vs Reenforce
Final Verdict
For most modern business writing, companywide is the preferred spelling. It is recognized by major dictionaries and appears frequently in corporate communications, HR documents and professional publications.
The hyphenated form company wide is also acceptable, particularly if you’re following a style guide such as AP Style or using it as a compound adjective before a noun. The open form company wide is the least preferred and should generally be avoided unless required by a specific house style.
FAQs
Which is correct: “companywide” or “company wide”?
Companywide is the standard spelling in most modern English. Company wide is generally not recommended.
Is “companywide” one word?
Yes. Most dictionaries list companywide as a single word.
Can I write “company wide”?
Yes. The hyphenated form is also acceptable, especially in organizations that follow style guides like AP Style or prefer hyphenated compound adjectives.
Which spelling is best for business writing?
Companywide is the safest choice unless your organization’s style guide specifies company wide.
Why do I see different spellings online?
Different publishers and companies follow different editorial style guides, which explains the variation.
Do American and British English spell it differently?
No. Both varieties commonly use companywide and company wide, depending on style preferences.
Conclusion
Choosing between companywide and company wide is mostly a matter of spelling convention rather than meaning. In today’s English, companywide is the standard form you’ll find in dictionaries and most professional writing, while company wide remains an acceptable alternative in some editorial styles.
To keep your writing clear and consistent, use companywide unless you’re following a style guide that specifically prefers hyphenation. Avoid the open form company wide, as it is much less common in polished, professional writing.
Remember This
✅ Companywide = Preferred modern spelling
✅ Company wide = Also acceptable in some style guides
❌ Company wide = Generally avoid
Think: Like “nationwide” and “worldwide,” “companywide” is usually one word.
