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

a certificate of compliance

But despite being in compliance, the stores will be unable to serve beer or wine for 30 days.

—Kathy Stephenson

Modifications were made in compliance with regulations.

2

: a disposition to yield to others

When we focus on behavioral compliance in the moment, we miss out on helping our kids develop their own emotional and cognitive autonomy …

—Suzanne Allen and Annalise Caron

3

: the ability of an object to yield elastically when a force is applied : flexibility

Synonyms of compliance

• 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

The lawsuit alleges Page and social workers with DCFS did not enforce a safety plan, neglected to fix the barrier before placing the twins in the home and did not conduct in-home checks that would show non-compliance. —Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 14 Nov. 2025

Under Bjorkman’s leadership, the company will continue expanding its footprint internationally, diversifying its supply chain for resilience and strengthening partnerships with compliance and provenance organizations. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 14 Nov. 2025

Praise, too In his report, Barofsky also commends the union for making some strides in compliance and reform during his monitorship. —Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 14 Nov. 2025

The luxe set has a Responsible Down Standard certification for ethical sourcing and compliance with animal welfare. —Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

comply + -ance

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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