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

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

Ongoing technical support is necessary to ensure smooth operation, and strict data privacy compliance must also be maintained to protect customer information. —Karl Moore, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

Last week, the Office of Cannabis Management — which sets the policies that govern the market — announced the creation of a Trade Practices Bureau to tackle violations of state rules that fall into a void between enforcement and compliance. —James Barron, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025

Amy Morgan, vice president of trade compliance for global supply chain research firm Altana, said in the autos sector, China’s tariff rate is generally higher, historically around 15%, but recently reduced for certain types of vehicles. —Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 19 Feb. 2025

Cleveland's ordinances would apply to a broader range of tobacco products, with penalties leveled against businesses to incentivize compliance. —Sam Allard, Axios, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

comply + -ance

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing compliance

• 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