Noncompliance vs. Incompliance — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 7, 2023
Noncompliance refers to the refusal to comply, while incompliance is less common, used for not being in a state of agreement.
Difference Between Noncompliance and Incompliance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Noncompliance and incompliance are terms that relate to the act of not adhering to a set of rules or standards. Noncompliance is the more commonly used term and typically connotes a deliberate refusal to follow the rules or an act of defiance. Incompliance, while not as widely used, suggests a state of not being in agreement or harmony with a set of standards, which could be either deliberate or unintentional.
In the context of legal and regulatory frameworks, noncompliance is often used to describe a situation where an individual or entity has intentionally chosen not to follow the guidelines or laws. Incompliance, on the other hand, may imply that an individual or entity has not met the requirements due to oversight, inability, or other extenuating circumstances.
When discussing behavior, noncompliance often has a negative connotation, indicating stubbornness or rebellion. Incompliance can also carry a negative connotation but is more neutral, potentially leaving room for justification. For example, a person may be noncompliant with a directive due to a principled stand, while incompliance might suggest a lack of awareness or understanding of the directive.
In medical settings, noncompliance is a term used to describe patients who do not follow their medical treatment plans, which can be due to various reasons such as skepticism or financial constraints. Incompliance might be used in such a setting to describe a patient's inability to comply, possibly due to factors beyond their control, like side effects or physical limitations.
The usage of noncompliance often implies a judgment, suggesting that the noncompliant party is at fault. Incompliance, while still indicating a lack of adherence, may be used in situations where the reasons for not complying are less clear-cut or where the term noncompliance may seem too harsh.
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Often negative, implying willful defiance
Less harsh, may suggest inadvertent non-adherence
Usage Frequency
Commonly used in legal, medical, and regulatory contexts
Less common, sometimes used interchangeably with noncompliance
Implication
Deliberate refusal to comply
State of not being in agreement, possibly non-deliberate
Associated Fields
Law, medicine, corporate governance
General use, occasionally in formal documents
Derived Forms
Noncompliant (adjective)
Incompliant (adjective), rarely used
Compare with Definitions
Noncompliance
Refusal to follow rules
The company faced penalties for noncompliance with environmental regulations.
Incompliance
State of not conforming
The machine was in a state of incompliance with safety standards.
Noncompliance
Not abiding by a legal requirement
The bank's noncompliance with financial laws led to a hefty fine.
Incompliance
Failure to meet requirements
The product's incompliance with quality standards resulted in a recall.
Noncompliance
Disobedience to a policy
Noncompliance with the new policy will not be tolerated.
Incompliance
Lacking adherence to protocols
The audit showed incompliance with the new regulations.
Noncompliance
Lack of adherence to a standard
Noncompliance with the dress code will result in a warning.
Incompliance
Absence of compliance
Incompliance with the treatment regimen hindered the patient's recovery.
Noncompliance
Failure to act in accordance with a guideline
The software was flagged for noncompliance with security protocols.
Incompliance
Not in agreement with rules
Incompliance with the team's strategy led to the project's failure.
Noncompliance
Failure or refusal to comply.
Incompliance
Not willing to comply.
Noncompliance
A failure to comply.
Incompliance
The condition of being incompliant; a refusal to comply.
Noncompliance
Neglect of compliance; failure to comply.
Incompliance
The quality or state of being incompliant; unyielding temper; obstinacy.
Self-conceit produces peevishness and incompliance of humor in things lawful and indifferent.
Noncompliance
The failure to obey
Incompliance
Refusal or failure to comply.
Common Curiosities
How is incompliance different from noncompliance?
Incompliance is less commonly used and can suggest a non-willful failure to meet standards.
Can noncompliance be accidental?
While typically associated with deliberate actions, noncompliance can occasionally be accidental.
What does noncompliance mean?
Noncompliance refers to the act of not following rules or guidelines, often deliberately.
Does incompliance always imply fault?
Not always, it can indicate a failure to comply without assigning blame.
Is incompliance ever used in medical settings?
Rarely, as noncompliance is the preferred term in such contexts.
How should incompliance be addressed?
By identifying and rectifying the causes of failure to adhere to the required standards.
Can incompliance be due to misunderstanding?
Yes, incompliance can sometimes stem from a misunderstanding of the requirements.
Can noncompliance be justified?
In some cases, such as ethical stands, noncompliance can be justified.
Is incompliance a recognized word?
Yes, though it's less frequently used than noncompliance.
Are there legal repercussions for noncompliance?
Yes, noncompliance can lead to legal penalties or other sanctions.
Can organizations be noncompliant?
Yes, organizations can be noncompliant with laws, regulations, or standards.
Can there be consequences for incompliance in contractual agreements?
Yes, incompliance with a contract can lead to disputes or legal action.
Is noncompliance always intentional in legal terms?
In legal terms, noncompliance is often presumed to be intentional, but this can be contested.
What are the consequences of noncompliance in the workplace?
Consequences can include disciplinary action, termination, or legal issues.
How can noncompliance be rectified?
By coming into compliance, often through corrective actions or fulfilling the unmet obligations.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
