ENGLISH
REFERENCE

compliance

n.
US //kəmˈpɫaɪəns// UK //kəmplˈaɪəns// com·pli·ance
  1. 1 following rules or laws (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    the act of obeying a law, rule, or request.

    the act of adhering to or conforming with a law, regulation, or set of standards. Uncountable in its general sense.

    Example

    The company is in full compliance with the new safety laws.

    Example

    The audit confirmed that the firm's financial reporting was in strict compliance with international accounting standards.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'with'.
  2. 2 corporate department (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    the department in a company that makes sure everyone follows the rules.

    the internal department or function within an organisation responsible for ensuring that all legal and regulatory requirements are met.

    Example

    If you have questions about the new policy, you should talk to someone in compliance.

    Example

    The compliance department issued a memo regarding the ethical implications of accepting gifts from potential vendors.

    Teacher's tip

    In a business context, 'Compliance' is often used as a proper noun to refer to the specific office or team.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 medical treatment (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    how well a patient follows the doctor's advice or takes their medicine.

    the degree to which a patient correctly follows medical advice, particularly regarding medication schedules or lifestyle changes.

    Example

    The doctor was worried about the patient's compliance with the daily exercise plan.

    Example

    Poor patient compliance remains a significant barrier to the effective management of chronic hypertension.

    Usage

    In modern medicine, 'adherence' is increasingly preferred over 'compliance' to suggest a more collaborative relationship between doctor and patient.
  2. 4 yielding to others (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Literary

    the habit of doing what other people want you to do.

    a disposition or tendency to yield to the wishes or demands of others.

    Example

    Her quiet compliance made it easy for her boss to give her extra work.

    Example

    The negotiator mistook his opponent's outward compliance for a genuine willingness to concede on the core issues of the treaty.
    • submissiveness
    • acquiescence
Origin

From comply + -ance.

© 2026 English Reference