adhering

American  

[ad-heer-ing] / ædˈhɪər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. attaching or staying attached; sticking, or causing something to stick, to something else.

   She worked away with a steel scraper to loosen the adhering carpet where it had been glued to the floor.

2. devoted in allegiance; attached as a follower, supporter, or member.

   Under the OECD Council decision on multinational enterprises, each adhering country must set up a National Contact Point for dispute resolution.

3. holding firmly or closely to something (often used in combination).

   Respond to all employee complaints promptly and in a professional, confidential, policy-adhering manner.

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noun

1. the act or fact of sticking, clinging, or holding closely or firmly to something.

   We can't just call for an adhering to due process—we need to actually ensure that due process happens.

2. Chemistry, Physics. (of two or more dissimilar substances) the fact of being united by a molecular force acting in the area of contact.

   The adhering of the molecules of a gas on the surface of a solid is called adsorption.

3. the fact of being devoted or attached to a person or thing as a follower, member, or supporter.

   Under the law, cruising in an enemy ship intending to capture or destroy American ships is an adhering to the enemies of the United States.

Other Word Forms

• nonadhering
  adjective
• unadhering
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of adhering

First recorded in 1545–55; adher(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; adher(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun senses

Example Sentences

Sheng Lu, a fashion and apparel-studies professor at the University of Delaware, said that the costs of adhering to a more environmentally friendly approach to business can add up.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

She has a quieter style, while adhering to his belief that you can’t lead without grassroots support.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

A former executive went public with claims that the bank wasn’t adhering to lofty goals on ESG, but missed out on a program that pays whistleblowers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

An initial deployment plan has been approved, adhering to the ceiling of 5,500 troops and police officers authorized by the Security Council, and "deployments will take place in phases over the coming months," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

A lot of Muslim women find it difficult to lead an active lifestyle while adhering to their religious principles around modesty, with most gyms being coed and workout wear being formfitting.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Related Words

• biased
• one-sided
• sectarian
• sympathetic
• unjust