compliance

noun

com·​pli·​ance kəm-ˈplī-ən(t)s 

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

Synonyms

• obedience
• compliancy
• acquiescence
• deference

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

By meticulously evaluating the nuances of equity transactions, professionals can not only enhance the reliability of their valuation judgments but also ensure greater compliance with financial reporting and tax regulations. —Meenal Aggarwal, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

The spokeswoman wouldn’t comment further, but the AG’s office typically works with delinquent nonprofits to try to get them into compliance before taking any enforcement action. —Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2025

Because the performance isn’t just about mere compliance. —Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2025

The residential portion of the community will be developed over eight phases in compliance with the city’s NeoTraditional standards. —Laura Kinsler, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

comply + -ance

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing compliance

• in compliance with

Rhymes for compliance

• appliance
• defiance
• reliance
• geoscience
• neuroscience
• noncompliance
• pseudoscience
• science

Kids Definition

compliance

noun

com·​pli·​ance kəm-ˈplī-ən(t)s 

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 

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 wall

—S. 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 

1

: an act or process of complying with a demand or recommendation

2

: observance of official requirements