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.
In November, Super Micro appointed BDO USA as its independent auditor and submitted a plan to come into compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements. Jane Thier, Fortune, 2 Dec. 2024 The balance between the financial burden of compliance versus the potential increase in winnings is a topic of intense debate within the racing community. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024 For confidential compliance assistance, employees and employers can call the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 29 Nov. 2024 The complaint asks the U.S. Department of Education to investigate the Waukesha School District for compliance with the law. Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 28 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near compliance

Cite this Entry

“Compliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compliance. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

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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