# complying

/kəmˈpɫaɪɪŋ/ (US) · /kəmplˈaɪɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/complying
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

following a rule, order, or law. You use this when someone does what they are officially told to do.

For teachers: acting in accordance with a wish, command, or set of rules. Present participle of 'comply'; typically describes the state of adherence to regulatory or legal standards.

## Examples

- The company is complying with the new safety laws.
- By complying with the environmental regulations, the factory avoided a heavy fine from the local government.
- The audit revealed that while the firm was complying with the letter of the law, it was failing to meet the broader ethical standards expected by its shareholders.

## Pitfalls

- Not "complying to the rules" but "complying with the rules" — The verb 'comply' and its forms require the preposition 'with', not 'to'.

## Usage notes

- Intransitive; almost always followed by the preposition 'with'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.