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

• acquiescence
• biddability
• compliancy
• deference
• docility
• obedience
• submissiveness

Example Sentences

She was rewarded for her compliance.

There has been a low rate of compliance with the new law.

Recent Examples on the Web

If a state does not use its fiscal recovery money in compliance with the law, the Treasury Department can recoup the funds. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 17 Jan. 2023

And if the review determines that MSU is not in compliance with Title IX, the school must take steps to do so by the end of the 2026-27 school year. —Kirkland Crawford, Detroit Free Press, 14 Jan. 2023

Heather Lagaso, 42, has been on the hunt for a remote job since her role in compliance and records management at the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health division was cut in November 2021. —Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2023

Now, the village council is focusing on building two large artesian wells, in compliance with Israeli restrictions to complement home wells, to make the village completely water independent. —Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Jan. 2023

Those not in compliance face fines of up to $1,000. —Zusha Elinson, WSJ, 11 Jan. 2023

Per Virginia law, state academic standards must be revised every seven years, and this round of revisions is being undertaken in compliance with that law. —Hannah Natanson, Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2023

Pharmacies must also appoint a representative to ensure mifepristone is distributed in compliance with the FDA’s policies, including verifying that prescriptions come from providers who have completed their own certification process. —Jamie Ducharme, Time, 5 Jan. 2023

Coinbase will pay a $50 million penalty to New York State and has agreed to invest an additional $50 million in compliance. —Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 4 Jan. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

comply + -ance

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing compliance

• in compliance with

• in compliance with

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