Mandatory

Mandatory describes something that is required by law, rule, regulation, or policy and must be followed. It denotes an obligation rather than a suggestion, and noncompliance can trigger penalties, sanctions, or loss of privileges.

The term comes from Latin mandatus 'to be ordered' and entered English via medieval and modern legal usage. In contemporary English, mandatory is often used for formal, codified requirements issued by governments, institutions, or employers.

Common applications include public health measures, such as mandatory vaccination or reporting; education, where attendance or coursework may be mandatory; and professional settings, where training, background checks, or safety gear are mandatory.

In law and policy, mandatory requirements are distinct from voluntary or recommended actions. Exemptions or accommodations may apply, and enforcement depends on jurisdiction, with penalties ranging from fines to loss of licenses.

Related terms include compulsory and obligatory, which are often used interchangeably though usage varies by legal tradition. Understanding context is important, as some jurisdictions prefer 'compulsory' for statutes and 'mandatory' for regulations.