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

An audit of the Louisiana Department of Education’s seclusion and restraint practices for students with disabilities reveals underreporting and compliance with state laws. —Nolan McKendry | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Dec. 2024

Identify Priority Data The question is not how much is too much data, but what data is important to facilitate a business’s existence and growth, and how does that data align with corporate and customer KPIs or compliance requirements? —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Amid the rapid growth of AI in legal technology, one professional is standing out for his pioneering work in regulatory compliance and SEC filings. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024

But since the 2021 sewage spill, Hyperion has seen a surge in compliance issues. —Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024

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