compliance

noun

com·​pli·​ance kəm-ˈplī-ən(t)s How to pronounce compliance (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of complying to a desire, demand, proposal, or regimen or to coercion
Patient compliance in completing the treatment regimens was excellent.Georgia A. Chrousos
b
: conformity in fulfilling official requirements
His actions were in compliance with state law.
2
: a disposition to yield to others
3
: the ability of an object to yield elastically when a force is applied : flexibility

Examples of compliance in a Sentence

She was rewarded for her compliance. There has been a low rate of compliance with the new law.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jesse Savage, who will transition from head of high school to director of academics, had asked students to remove red ties for compliance with dress code. Liam Adams, Nashville Tennessean, 26 Sep. 2025 Paying for an independent, third-party supervisor to monitor its compliance. Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025 The monitor’s primary responsibility will be to conduct compliance assessments, a process involving five layers of review to evaluate how effectively Louisville Metro Police follows each part of the plan. Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Sep. 2025 Authorities prefer and reward compliance. Elizabeth Shackelford, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for compliance

Word History

Etymology

comply + -ance

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of compliance was circa 1630

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compliance. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

compliance

noun
com·​pli·​ance kəm-ˈplī-ən(t)s How to pronounce compliance (audio)
1
: the act or process of complying
2
: a readiness or willingness to yield to others

Medical Definition

compliance

noun
com·​pli·​ance kəm-ˈplī-ən(t)s How to pronounce compliance (audio)
1
: the ability or process of yielding to changes in pressure without disruption of structure or function
a study of pulmonary compliance
the tone of colonic muscle as judged by compliance of the gut wallS. C. Truelove
2
: the process of complying with a regimen of treatment
simplified drug regimens may encourage better compliance

Legal Definition

compliance

noun
com·​pli·​ance kəm-ˈplī-əns How to pronounce compliance (audio)
1
: an act or process of complying with a demand or recommendation
2
: observance of official requirements

More from Merriam-Webster on compliance

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