compliance
kuhm-PLY-uhns
/kəmˈplaɪəns/
The action or fact of complying with a wish or command; meeting official requirements.
In environmental policy, it refers to factories and car manufacturers following pollution laws.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'complere', meaning 'to fill up' or 'to complete'. To be in compliance is to 'fill up' the requirements of the law.
Word relationships
- adherence: Adherence is sticking to a plan; compliance is obeying a specific rule or law.
- defiance: Open resistance or bold disobedience.
Commonly confused with
- complaisance: Complaisance is a desire to please others; compliance is following a rule.
Word family
- comply (verb): To act in accordance with a command.
- compliant (adjective): Meeting requirements.
Collocations
- regulatory compliance
- in compliance with
- compliance officer
Example sentences
- "The company was audited to ensure compliance with the new emission standards." Corporate regulation.
- "Non-compliance with air quality regulations can result in heavy fines and legal action." Environmental law.
Memory hook
Com-Ply: You 'Ply' (fold) your will to 'Com'-plete the law's demands. Following the rules.
When not to use
Do not use for 'agreement' in a casual sense; it implies a power dynamic or a rule that must be followed.
Fun facts
- The 'Volkswagen emissions scandal' was a famous case of faked compliance using 'defeat devices'.
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 → International Environmental Accords
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → E-Waste & Technological Disposal
- 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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