Compliant: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who easily agrees with rules, requests, or instructions, often in a professional or regulatory setting.

• The employees were compliant with the new safety regulations.
• She is compliant with all the company policies.

Refers to someone who shows a strong willingness to follow orders or rules, often used regarding children, pets, or subordinates.

• The obedient student always follows the teacher's instructions.
• Make sure your dog is obedient during training.

Describes someone who is inclined or willing to submit to the authority of others, often carrying a negative connotation implying weakness or lack of assertiveness.

• She was too submissive in the relationship, letting him make all the decisions.
• He has a submissive nature and rarely voices his own opinions.

Describes someone who is quiet and easy to control, often in situations where calmness and gentleness are valued.

• The puppy is very docile and playful.
• A docile patient is easier to manage.

Used to describe someone or something that is easy to manage or influence, common in context where flexibility and adaptability are valued.

• A tractable child is easier to teach and guide.
• The software is very tractable and can be modified to suit various needs.

This term typically describes someone or something that easily agrees to follow rules or requests, often without questioning them. It can be used positively or neutrally depending on the context.

• She is a compliant employee who always follows the instructions given by her manager.
• The new software is very compliant with industry standards.

This word is often used negatively to describe someone who follows traditional standards or societal norms too closely, often at the expense of individuality.

• He was labelled a conformist because he never challenged the outdated policies at work.
• Her conformist attitude made her blend into the crowd without making an impact.

This word describes someone who adheres strictly to the laws and regulations of society. It is generally positive and used to denote respect for the law.

• John is a law-abiding citizen who always pays his taxes on time.
• The community praised the law-abiding behavior of the local businesses.

This term often refers to someone who follows instructions or authority figures without question. It can have a positive, neutral, or negative connotation depending on the context.

• The obedient dog followed all the commands of its owner.
• Children in that school are expected to be obedient and disciplined.