Compliance: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in formal or legal contexts to describe the act of following rules, regulations, or standards.

• The company ensures its compliance with environmental laws.
• Compliance with safety regulations is mandatory.

Used when talking about sticking to personal, organizational, or professional codes, principles, or routines.

• His adherence to the diet plan helped him lose weight.
• Strict adherence to company policies is expected from all employees.

Often used in social contexts where people act in accordance with societal norms or expectations. Can have a negative connotation if it implies lack of individuality.

• Peer pressure often leads to conformity among teenagers.
• Conformity to social norms can stifle creativity.

Used when talking about following orders or commands, typically in hierarchical structures such as military or authoritarian settings. Often implies submission.

• The soldier's obedience to orders was commendable.
• Parents expect obedience from their children.

This term is often used in legal, business, and regulatory settings to indicate adherence to rules, standards, or laws.

• The company ensured compliance with international safety standards.
• Our new software will help with regulatory compliance.

This word is commonly used to describe behavior that matches social norms or expectations. It can also imply a lack of individuality.

• Their strict school policies enforce conformity among students.
• He showed little conformity to the usual workplace dress code.

Typically used to refer to the practice of following religious, cultural, or traditional rules and rituals.

• The observance of the holiday includes several ancient rituals.
• Strict observance of the rules is necessary during the competition.

Most often used in the context of following orders or commands from an authority figure. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of independent thought.

• The soldiers' obedience to their commander was unquestionable.
• She values obedience in her children.

This is often used in legal, regulatory, or corporate contexts to mean following rules, standards, or laws. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if it implies excessive control.

• We must ensure compliance with safety regulations
• The company was fined for lack of compliance with environmental laws

This is used when talking about sticking faithfully to a particular rule, principle, or plan. It's often used in medical or ethical contexts.

• The patient's adherence to the treatment regimen was critical for recovery
• He showed strict adherence to ethical guidelines

This term is used to describe behavior that matches the expected norms, rules, or standards of a group or society. It can have a negative connotation if it suggests a lack of individuality.

• His conformity to social norms made him blend in easily
• The school encouraged conformity to its strict dress code

This is typically used in the context of rituals, traditions, and holidays. It suggests respect and adherence to certain customs or ceremonies.

• The observance of national holidays is mandatory
• Religious observance plays a crucial role in their community