Word
conforming
Phoneticscon·form·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈfɔɹmɪŋ/
UK/kənfˈɔːmɪŋ/
Definition
adj. behaving in a way that matches the rules or expectations of a group. You use this to describe someone who follows the crowd instead of being different.
adj. behaving in accordance with prevailing social standards, attitudes, or practices. Often used to describe individuals who adhere to established norms rather than expressing individuality.
Examples
“He is a very conforming person who never breaks the rules.”
“In a highly conforming corporate culture, employees may feel pressured to dress and speak exactly like their managers.”
“The pressure of living in a small, conforming town can be stifling for creative individuals who wish to challenge traditional social structures or aesthetic conventions.”
Examples
simple
“He is a very conforming person who never breaks the rules.”
contextual
“In a highly conforming corporate culture, employees may feel pressured to dress and speak exactly like their managers.”
complex
“The pressure of living in a small, conforming town can be stifling for creative individuals who wish to challenge traditional social structures or aesthetic conventions.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'become' or 'remain', or attributively before a noun like 'behavior' or 'personality'.
Real-World Examples
“Republican-led companies tended to perform better when their strategies were more conforming, while Democratic-led companies tended to perform better when their strategies were less conforming.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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