compliance
kum-PLY-uns
/kəmˈplaɪəns/
The action or fact of complying with a wish or command; meeting official requirements.
In environmental contexts, it refers to following laws and regulations regarding waste and pollution.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'complere,' which means 'to fill up' or 'to complete.' If you are in compliance, you have 'filled up' all the requirements asked of you.
Word relationships
- adherence: Adherence is sticking to a rule; compliance is the act of fulfilling a requirement.
- defiance: Open resistance or bold disobedience.
Commonly confused with
- conformance: Conformance is often used in manufacturing to mean meeting technical specifications.
Word family
- comply (verb): To act in accordance with a wish or command.
- compliant (adjective): Meeting or in accordance with rules.
Collocations
- regulatory compliance
- strict compliance
- compliance officer
Idioms & expressions
- in compliance with
Example sentences
- "The company must ensure strict compliance with the new e-waste disposal laws to avoid heavy fines." Corporate regulation.
- "An audit was conducted to verify the facility's compliance with international safety standards." Environmental auditing.
Memory hook
Think of 'complying' with an 'alliance'—filling up your part of the deal. Following rules.
When not to use
Don't use it for simple 'agreement' in casual talk; it implies a formal or legal standard.
Fun facts
- The cost of corporate compliance has risen by over 60% in the last decade due to stricter environmental and financial laws.
Related words
Explore more words
comply, compliant, Obedience, enforce, enforcement, Conformity
Also appears in
- Leadership → Ethical Governance
- Relationships → Peer Pressure & Conformity
- Business → Quality Control & Standards
- Business → Workplace Hazards & Safety
- Business → Business Ethics & Compliance
- Finance → Taxation & Revenue
- Finance → Auditing & Accounting
- Law → Corporate Law & Regulation
- Psychology → Group Dynamics & Social Influence
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → Climate Policy & International Agreements
- Engineering & Industrial Design → Accessibility & Universal Design
- Education & Pedagogy → Discipline & Classroom Management
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → Urban Pollution & Smog
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → International Environmental Accords
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → Corporate Social Responsibility
- Pets & Animals (Domestic) → Animal Training & Behavior
- Skilled Trades & Construction → Construction Site Management
- Civic Life & Public Services → Personal Tax Filing & Returns
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