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

Therefore, thorough cleaning, separate production runs, or even prohibiting the chemical in question altogether may be necessary for compliance. —Sophie Benson, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025

In essence, the initiative tests whether a tougher line on visa compliance can protect American jobs without undermining the innovation those same visas have long supported. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025

On top of that, the federal agency, which plays an important role in enforcement, investigation and ensuring compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act, has seen budget and staffing cuts this year, and many of its ranks are currently furloughed as the federal government shutdown ticks on. —Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025

The director of cultural engagement and compliance became the assistant director of student life. —Cleo Krejci, jsonline.com, 29 Oct. 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