Mandatory: meaning, definitions and examples

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mandatory

 

[ ˈmændəˌtɔːri ]

Adjective / Noun
Adjectives
Context #1 | Adjective

required by law

Mandatory means required by law or rules, or else it must be done. Something that is mandatory is compulsory and must be done. It is not optional.

Synonyms

compulsory, obligatory, required

Examples of usage

  • Attendance at the meeting is mandatory for all employees.
  • Wearing a helmet is mandatory when riding a bike in this city.
  • The completion of the safety training course is mandatory for all new employees.
Context #2 | Noun

course of action

Mandatory can also refer to a course of action that is prescribed by an authority or set of rules. It is something that must be done as a matter of urgency or necessity.

Synonyms

compulsory, obligatory, required

Examples of usage

  • The evacuation was declared mandatory due to the approaching hurricane.
  • Following the instructions given by the captain is mandatory in case of emergency.

Translations

Translations of the word "mandatory" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obrigatório

🇮🇳 अनिवार्य (Anivārya)

🇩🇪 verpflichtend

🇮🇩 wajib

🇺🇦 обов'язковий

🇵🇱 obowiązkowy

🇯🇵 必須 (Hissu)

🇫🇷 obligatoire

🇪🇸 obligatorio

🇹🇷 zorunlu

🇰🇷 필수적인 (Pilsujŏgin)

🇸🇦 إلزامي (Ilzami)

🇨🇿 povinný

🇸🇰 povinný

🇨🇳 强制性的 (Qiángzhì xìng de)

🇸🇮 obvezen

🇮🇸 skyldubundinn

🇰🇿 міндетті

🇬🇪 სავალდებულო (savaldebulo)

🇦🇿 məcburi

🇲🇽 obligatorio

Etymology

The word 'mandatory' originated from the Latin word 'mandatorius', which means 'pertaining to a command'. It has been used in English since the 17th century. The concept of mandatory actions or requirements has been present in various legal systems and regulations throughout history, emphasizing the importance of compliance and enforcement.

See also: mandated, mandates.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,476 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.