Company wide or Companywide: Which Is Correct?

Updated 2026-10-03 · Which One Is Correct editorial team

Quick answer: Both forms are correct in modern English usage. You can write them as two separate words or as one compound word. The choice often depends on your specific style guide or personal preference when describing organization-wide matters.

The Short Answer

Both company wide and companywide are accepted spellings in contemporary English. Major dictionaries and style guides do not enforce a single mandatory form for this specific compound adjective.

Confusion arises because English constantly blends words to create new modifiers. As business jargon evolves, phrases that once stood apart often merge, leaving writers unsure whether to keep the space or close the gap.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Form	Status	Use it when
company wide	Standard	You prefer open compounds or follow a guide requiring spaces for clarity
companywide	Standard	You prefer closed compounds or want a tighter, more integrated look in text
company-wide	Common Variant	You wish to use a hyphen to prevent misreading or emphasize the link
Context	N/A	Always ensure the phrase modifies a noun rather than acting as a verb phrase

Correct Example Sentences

The company wide policy was updated last Tuesday to include remote work options.
Our companywide newsletter featured an interview with the new CEO.
Please ensure the company wide training modules are accessible to all staff.
The companywide survey revealed that most employees prefer hybrid schedules.
We are implementing a company wide ban on single-use plastics starting next month.
The companywide event brought together teams from every regional office.
Her company wide presentation received praise from the entire executive board.
The company wide initiative aims to reduce energy consumption by twenty percent.
Every department must adhere to the company wide security protocols strictly.
The companywide holiday party will be held in the main atrium this year.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

The policy is company wide across all departments.: The policy is company-wide across all departments.
We need a companywide approach to solve this issue.: We need a companywide approach to solve this issue.
She works company wide in three different locations.: She works across the company in three different locations.
The company wide email was sent yesterday morning.: The companywide email was sent yesterday morning.
It is a company wide effort to improve morale.: It is a company-wide effort to improve morale.
They launched a companywide program for new hires.: They launched a companywide program for new hires.

A Quick Test You Can Use

Check if the phrase acts as a single adjective modifying a noun. If you can replace the whole phrase with a simple word like global or universal, treat it as one conceptual unit. This justifies using the closed form companywide or the hyphenated company-wide, while avoiding the potentially ambiguous two-word version that might look like a verb phrase.

Related Word Pairs

worldwide vs world wide: Use worldwide as one word when describing global scope.
nationwide vs nation wide: Use nationwide as one word for coverage across a country.
companywide vs company wide: Both are correct; choose based on your style guide preference.
organizationwide vs organization wide: Use organizationwide as one word for clarity in formal texts.
departmentwide vs department wide: Use departmentwide as one word when modifying a specific group.

More Example Sentences

The companywide safety audit concluded without any major findings.
Staff from every branch attended the companywide town hall meeting.
A companywide directive requires all laptops to be encrypted.
Her companywide promotion was announced during the quarterly review.
The companywide budget cuts affected the marketing department significantly.
We are rolling out a companywide software update this weekend.
The companywide charity drive exceeded its fundraising goal.
New hires receive a companywide orientation packet on their first day.
The companywide dress code allows for casual attire on Fridays.
His companywide reputation for integrity is well known throughout the firm.

Quick Practice

The policy applies to every employee regardless of location.

companywide

We need a strategy to address the supply chain delays.

companywide

The newsletter highlighted the achievements of the engineering team.

companywide

Please forward the memo to your direct reports immediately.

companywide

A culture of respect is essential for long-term success.

companywide

The survey results will be shared with the board next week.

companywide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is companywide one word or two?

It can be written as one word or two. Both forms are widely accepted in professional writing, though consistency within a single document is key to maintaining a polished appearance.

Should I use a hyphen in company-wide?

A hyphen is often preferred to prevent reader confusion. Using company-wide clearly signals that the words function together as a single adjective modifying the noun that follows them.

Which form do major style guides recommend?

Most style guides allow either form. Some prefer the closed compound for brevity, while others recommend the hyphen for clarity. Check your organization's specific editorial standards for the best guidance.

Can I use company wide as a verb?

No, you cannot use it as a verb. It functions exclusively as an adjective. If you need a verb phrase, restructure the sentence to use words like span or cover instead of relying on this modifier.