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

As data marketplaces operate across international borders, businesses must navigate a patchwork of privacy laws and compliance requirements. —Ashutosh Synghal, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Ars Video The focus of the new commission, which took office in December, is also more on the compliance of Big Tech companies with the law than on potential high fines in the billions of Euros, officials said. —ArsTechnica, 28 Mar. 2025

The only modifications: noting that the approximately $9 tourist levy introduced in February 2024 is in fact mandatory, and upping enforcement mechanisms for broader compliance with the rules. —Chad De Guzman, Time, 28 Mar. 2025

But neither the Principals’ Association nor the MSAD #51 Board of Directors will sign that compliance agreement, representatives said this week. —Samantha Riedel, Them., 28 Mar. 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