Nonadherence: meaning, definitions and examples
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nonadherence
[ ˌnɒnədˈhɪərəns ]
Context #1
medical treatment
The act of not following prescribed medical advice or treatment.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Nonadherence to medication can lead to worsening of the condition.
- She was hospitalized due to nonadherence to her doctor's recommendations.
Context #2
general
Failure or refusal to adhere to rules, guidelines, or principles.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The nonadherence to company policies resulted in her dismissal.
- His nonadherence to traffic laws caused multiple accidents.
Word origin
The term 'nonadherence' originated in the medical field to describe patients not following prescribed treatment plans. Over time, it has also been used in a broader sense to refer to not following rules or guidelines in various contexts. The prefix 'non-' indicates negation, while 'adherence' comes from the Latin word 'adhaerentia', meaning 'stickiness' or 'attachment'.