adj
Common
mandatory
MAN-duh-tree
Mandatory (adj) means Required by law, rule, or authority; compulsory. Example: “Safety training is mandatory before anyone can use the workshop machines.”
adj
1
Required by law, rule, or authority; compulsory.
"This kind of immediate control structure we take to be characteristic of the tribe, and it leads to a rather rigid type of system in which 'every action not mandatory is forbidden'."
— Ian Stewart, Jack Cohen (1999)
"Safety training is mandatory before anyone can use the workshop machines."
"Attendance at a school is usually mandatory for children."
"Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers."
"Attendance at the meeting is mandatory for every employee."
How to use mandatory
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething you must do; not optional.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
mandatory training
mandatory sentence
mandatory retirement
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Word forms
- Plural
- mandatories
- Comparative
- more mandatory
- Superlative
- most mandatory
Fill the gap
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Safety training is _____ before anyone can use the workshop machines.
Etymology
From Late Latin mandatorius, related to mandator ("one who commands") — ultimately from the same root as mandate.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for mandatory
See all rhymes for mandatory →Frequently asked questions
What does “mandatory” mean?
The word “mandatory” means required by law, rule, or authority; compulsory. In plain terms, something you must do; not optional.
How do you pronounce “mandatory”?
“Mandatory” is pronounced MAN-duh-tree (/ˈmæn.dəˌt(ɔ)ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “mandatory” in a sentence?
Here is “mandatory” used in a sentence: “Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.”
What part of speech is “mandatory”?
“Mandatory” is an adjective.
Where does the word “mandatory” come from?
The word “mandatory” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin mandatorius, related to mandator ("one who commands") — ultimately from the same root as mandate.
Is “mandatory” a common word?
“Mandatory” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "mandatory" and "compulsory"?
Both mean required by rule or authority, and they are largely interchangeable. "Compulsory" is especially common in British English, as in compulsory education, while "mandatory" is slightly more formal and frequent in legal, corporate, and American contexts. Neither leaves room for choice.
What is the opposite of "mandatory"?
The opposite of "mandatory" is "voluntary" or "optional," meaning something you may choose to do rather than being required to. A mandatory meeting must be attended, whereas an optional one is left to your discretion.
When should you use "mandatory" instead of "required"?
"Mandatory" stresses that a law, rule, or authority compels the action, so it carries a stronger sense of enforced obligation than "required." "Required" can describe anything needed to reach a goal, while "mandatory" specifically means non-negotiable.
Does "mandatory" imply a penalty for non-compliance?
"Mandatory" means required by law, rule, or authority, and it usually implies consequences if you fail to comply, such as fines or disqualification. However, the word describes the obligation itself rather than naming a specific penalty.
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