What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
adherence
Example
The company's adherence to ethical standards is commendable. [adherence: noun]
Example
She adheres strictly to her daily routine. [adheres: verb]
compliance
Example
The factory was found to be in compliance with environmental regulations. [compliance: noun]
Example
He complied with the officer's request to show his identification. [complied: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Compliance is more commonly used than adherence in everyday language, especially in legal or regulatory contexts. However, adherence is more common in healthcare and medical settings, where it is used to describe patient behavior and treatment outcomes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between adherence and compliance?
Both adherence and compliance are formal words that are commonly used in professional or technical contexts. However, compliance may be more commonly used in legal or regulatory contexts, while adherence is more commonly used in healthcare or medical settings.
