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compliance

kum-PLY-unss /kəmˈplaɪəns/

nounC1GMATTOEFLIELTS

formallegalcorporate

The action or fact of complying with a wish or command; meeting the requirements of a law or agreement.

In environmental law, compliance refers to whether a country is actually meeting the targets (like emission cuts) it agreed to.

The story behind the word. From 'com' (with/thoroughly) and 'plere' (to fill). To be in compliance is to have 'filled up' all the requirements of a rule.

Word relationships

adherence: Adherence suggests sticking to a rule; compliance suggests fulfilling a requirement.
conformity: Conformity often implies following social norms; compliance is about following specific rules or laws.

defiance: Open resistance or bold disobedience.
violation: The act of breaking a law or agreement.

Commonly confused with

implementation: Implementation is the process of putting a plan into action; compliance is the state of meeting the rules of that plan.

Word family

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

Collocations

ensure compliance
in compliance with
regulatory compliance
compliance officer

Example sentences

"The factory was found to be in full compliance with the new environmental regulations regarding wastewater disposal." Regulatory report.
"Ensuring compliance with international treaties is difficult because there is no global police force to enforce them." International monitoring.

Memory hook

Compliance is when you 'Complete' the 'Alliance' by following the rules. Filling the requirements.

When not to use

Don't use it to mean 'agreement'—you can agree to something but still be in non-compliance if you don't do it.

Fun facts

In the corporate world, 'Compliance' is an entire department dedicated to making sure the company follows all laws.