conformity
kuhn-FOR-mih-tee
/kənˈfɔːrməti/
Compliance with standards, rules, laws, or specifications.
In QA, conformity means a physical product matches its design drawings and regulatory standards exactly.
The story behind the word. From 'com-' (together) + 'formare' (to shape). It literally means sharing the exact same shape or form as a master template.
Word relationships
- compliance: Compliance often implies obeying a law or regulation, while conformity emphasizes matching a physical shape, standard, or pattern.
- nonconformity: Failure or refusal to conform to a standard or rule.
Commonly confused with
- uniformity: Uniformity means everything looks identical; conformity means everything obeys the rules (even if they are different).
Word family
- conform (verb): To comply with rules, standards, or laws.
- conformist (noun): A person who conforms to accepted behavior.
Collocations
- strict conformity
- certificate of conformity
- ensure conformity
Example sentences
- "The factory's output was in strict conformity with international safety regulations." Regulatory compliance audit
Memory hook
Think of pouring liquid metal into a mold so that it takes on the exact form of the container. Shaping to match.
When not to use
Avoid using in engineering contexts to mean peer pressure or social blending, though that is its common sociological meaning.
Fun facts
- Products sold in Europe often require a 'CE' mark, which is a declaration of conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards.
Related words
Explore more words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.