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compliance

kuhm-PLY-uhnss /kəmˈplaɪəns/

nounC1GRETOEFLIELTSGMATUPSC

formal

The action or fact of complying with a wish, command, rule, or regulatory mandate.

Emphasizes adherence to external standards, laws, or international treaty targets.

The story behind the word. Traces to Latin 'complere' (to fill up or fulfill). In Italian, 'complicare' and 'compliti' evolved into 'comply' in English—meaning to fulfill an obligation or complete a requirement. Compliance thus means total fulfillment of legal duties.

Word relationships

adherence: Adherence implies steadfast attachment to principles or rules, while compliance highlights fulfilling official legal mandates.
conformity: Conformity often carries a social connotation of fitting in, whereas compliance is strictly regulatory.

defiance: Defiance is open and bold resistance to authority or rules.
violation: Violation is a direct act of breaking a law or rule.

Commonly confused with

complicity: Complicity is involvement in a crime or wrongdoing, whereas compliance is obedience to rules or laws.

Word family

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

Collocations

environmental compliance
in compliance with
ensure compliance
compliance mechanism

Idioms & expressions

in compliance with

Example sentences

"Ensuring compliance with emission standards requires robust monitoring systems and penalizing non-compliant industrial facilities." Environmental policy analysis
"The manufacturing firm underwent a third-party audit to prove compliance with international carbon guidelines." Regulatory audit

Memory hook

COM-PLI-ance = COMPLETE your ALLIANCE to the rules. Fulfilling every rule completely.

When not to use

Do not use for voluntary personal favors where no formal rule or agreement applies.

Fun facts

Corporate compliance departments were virtually non-existent before the late 20th century, but now represent a multi-billion dollar global industry.