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compliance

kum-PLY-unss /kəmˈplaɪəns/

nounC1GREGMATUPSC

formallegalbusiness

The action or fact of complying with a wish or command; meeting official requirements.

Compliance often implies a mandatory adherence to laws or regulations, rather than a voluntary choice.

The story behind the word. Compliance comes from the verb 'comply', which originally meant 'to fill up' or 'to fulfill'. It suggests that when you comply with a rule, you are 'filling up' the requirements set by that rule until they are satisfied.

Word relationships

adherence: Adherence is a steady devotion to a rule, while compliance is the act of fulfilling a specific requirement.

defiance: Defiance is an open resistance or bold disobedience.

Commonly confused with

conformance: Conformance is meeting a technical standard; compliance is meeting a legal or regulatory requirement.

Word family

comply (verb): To act in accordance with a wish or command.
compliant (adjective): Disposed to agree with others or obey rules.

Collocations

regulatory compliance
in compliance with
ensure compliance

Idioms & expressions

bring into compliance

Example sentences

"The company is in full compliance with all environmental regulations." Legal
"Compliance with the new safety standards is mandatory for all employees." Business

Memory hook

Compliance is like 'Comply-ance'—the act of complying with the dance of the law. Filling the requirements.

When not to use

Avoid using in casual social settings where 'agreement' or 'cooperation' would be more natural.

Fun facts

'Compliance' is one of the fastest-growing job sectors in the financial industry due to increased regulation.
In medicine, 'patient compliance' refers to how well a patient follows their doctor's advice.