compliance
kuhm-PLEYE-uhns
Compliance (noun) means the act of following rules, laws, or requests set by others. Example: “Compliance with the new parking rules is checked every morning by the wardens.”
noun
1
The act of following rules, laws, or requests set by others.
"Compliance with the new parking rules is checked every morning by the wardens."
"The factory was inspected to ensure compliance with safety regulations."
"The company hired a specialist to manage regulatory compliance."
How to use compliance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFollowing the rules — whether laws, regulations, or someone's wishes.
Common pairings
ensure compliance
compliance with regulations
compliance department
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Word forms
- Plural
- compliances
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ with the new parking rules is checked every morning by the wardens.
Etymology
From comply plus the noun ending -ance.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for compliance
See all rhymes for compliance →Frequently asked questions
What does “compliance” mean?
The word “compliance” means the act of following rules, laws, or requests set by others. In plain terms, following the rules — whether laws, regulations, or someone's wishes.
How do you pronounce “compliance”?
“Compliance” is pronounced kuhm-PLEYE-uhns (/kəmˈplaɪ.əns/ in IPA).
How do you use “compliance” in a sentence?
Here is “compliance” used in a sentence: “The factory was inspected to ensure compliance with safety regulations.”
What is another word for “compliance”?
Words with a similar meaning to “compliance” include compliancy.
What is the opposite of “compliance”?
The opposite of “compliance” — its antonyms — are non-compliance, noncompliance and violation.
What part of speech is “compliance”?
“Compliance” is a noun.
Is “compliance” a common word?
“Compliance” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between compliance and conformity?
Compliance is following specific rules, laws or requests set by others, often because you are required to. Conformity is more general, meaning matching your behaviour to a group's norms or expectations, which may be informal and unspoken rather than an explicit rule.
What is the difference between compliance and adherence?
Both mean following rules or instructions. 'Compliance' often carries a sense of obeying an external authority or requirement, sometimes reluctantly. 'Adherence' suggests sticking closely and consistently to a standard, plan or agreement, and is common in medical contexts such as adherence to a treatment.
What is the difference between compliance and enforcement?
Compliance is the act of following rules and requirements. Enforcement is the act of making sure others follow them, usually carried out by an authority through checks, penalties or legal action. One is about obeying the rules, the other about upholding them.
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