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

Also at play: the imposition of conditions for approval of the transferal of the licenses, including commitment to promote viewpoint diversity and being placed on probation until compliance is evident. —Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025

The filing also notes the company's compliance with regulatory requirements, including maintaining asset coverage ratios and adhering to RIC tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 7 Feb. 2025

Specifically, the government argued that FinCEN intends to extend the compliance deadline. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 6 Feb. 2025

Davi Ottenheimer, a longtime security operations and compliance manager, says many factors about Coristine’s employment history and online footprint could raise questions about his ability to obtain security clearance. —Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 6 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