compliance
gb/kəmplˈaɪəns/ us/kəmplˈaɪəns/
B2
English
~ 2200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
action
1
Act of obeying rules or requests
The act of doing what someone asks or what a rule says.
Usage pattern:
in compliance with [rule/law/request]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'compliance' (the action of following) with 'complaint' (a statement about something being wrong).
Synonyms
obedience (Focuses more on following commands from a person rather than rules in general.)
|
conformity (Implies matching behavior to social norms or standards, not just rules.)
Antonyms
noncompliance (Direct opposite meaning — refusal or failure to follow rules or requests.)
|
defiance (Active resistance against authority or rules.)
Collocations
legal compliance
|regulatory compliance
|in compliance with
|compliance requirements
|compliance officer
Themes
business
|law
|social behavior
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The company must ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Her quick compliance with the teacher's instructions impressed everyone.
- The report shows the organization's compliance with safety standards.
- Compliance with the new law is mandatory for all businesses.
- We are working to improve our compliance processes.
Learner examples
- The school is in compliance with the new rules.
- He showed compliance when the police asked for his ID.
- Compliance with the law keeps people safe.
- The company checks for compliance every year.
- They are in compliance with health guidelines.
Noun
technical
C1
property
2
Flexibility under applied force
How much something bends or changes shape when force is used on it.
Synonyms
flexibility (General term for bending easily, not limited to technical measurement.)
|
elasticity (Specifically refers to the ability to return to original shape after deformation.)
Antonyms
rigidity (Describes materials that do not bend or deform easily.)
Collocations
mechanical compliance
|structural compliance
|high compliance material
Themes
science
|engineering
|technology
Examples
- The compliance of the beam was tested under various loads.
- High compliance in the joint allows for smoother movement.
- Engineers measured the compliance of the suspension system.
Learner examples
- The metal has low compliance, so it does not bend much.
- High compliance means the material bends easily.
- Compliance is important when designing soft parts.
Noun
technical
C1
property
3
Ease of lung expansion in breathing
In medicine, how easily the lungs fill with air when you breathe in.
Synonyms
elasticity (lungs) (Refers to the lungs' ability to stretch and return, used medically.)
Antonyms
stiffness (lungs) (Describes lungs that are hard to expand during breathing.)
Collocations
pulmonary compliance
|lung compliance
|decreased compliance
Themes
medicine
|biology
|health
|body
Examples
- Low lung compliance can make breathing difficult.
- Doctors measured the patient's pulmonary compliance.
- Diseases like fibrosis reduce lung compliance.
Learner examples
- Lung compliance is low in some diseases.
- High compliance means the lungs are easy to fill with air.
- Doctors check lung compliance in sick patients.
Grammar
Dictionary form
compliance
IPA
GB/kəmplˈaɪəns/
US/kəmplˈaɪəns/
Syllables & stress
com - pli - ance (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pli)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: compliance
- Plural: compliance, compliances
Word family
Forms
compliances
noun
Related words
compliantly
adverb C1
Negative and opposite forms
noncompliance
noun C1
noncompliant
adjective
Expressions
achieve compliance
1/ət͡ʃˈiv kəmplˈaɪəns/
fixed phrase
formal
Reach a state of following rules
To reach a point where rules or laws are being followed.
Examples
- The new system helps us achieve compliance faster.
- Training programs are designed to achieve compliance with safety standards.
ensure compliance
1/ɪnʃˈʊɹ kəmplˈaɪəns/
fixed phrase
formal
Make certain that rules are followed
To make sure that rules, laws, or requests are followed.
Examples
- Managers must ensure compliance with health regulations.
- Regular inspections ensure compliance across all departments.
in compliance with
1/ˈɪn kəmplˈaɪəns wˈɪθ/
fixed phrase
formal
Following a specific rule or requirement
Doing what a rule, law, or request says you must do.
Examples
- All employees must act in compliance with company policies.
- The building was constructed in compliance with safety codes.