mandatory
Americanadjective
-
authoritatively ordered; obligatory; compulsory.
It is mandatory that all students take two years of math.
-
pertaining to, of the nature of, or containing a command.
-
Law. permitting no option; not to be disregarded or modified.
a mandatory clause.
-
having received a mandate, as a nation.
noun
adjective
-
having the nature or powers of a mandate
-
obligatory; compulsory
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(of a state) having received a mandate over some territory
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of mandatory
From the Late Latin word mandātōrius, dating back to 1655–65. See mandate, -tory 1
Explanation
In the US, attending school through the twelfth grade, driving on the right side of the road, and obtaining a social security number are all mandatory. The phrase "mandatory requirement" is redundant. A mandatory action is something that is required, obligatory, or compulsory. Like letting your Great Aunt Edna pinch your cheeks or passing gym to get your diploma. Mandatory is often used in opposition to optional. If you want to compete with the swim team at school, weeknight practices are mandatory, meaning you have to go, though the Saturday dawn swim practice remains optional, meaning it's up to you.
Vocabulary lists containing mandatory
List 2
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Twelve Angry Men
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All American Boys
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For example, if distributions are mandatory, creditors of beneficiaries may obviously be able to reach those distributions.
From MarketWatch • May 23, 2026
Daniel now faces a mandatory life sentence, though the court didn’t immediately disclose a sentencing date.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
New rules - for mandatory ID checks that would require staff to review customer details to stop any children from using sunbeds - are being considered.
From BBC • May 21, 2026
Based on that timeline, Rice will miss the Chiefs’ voluntary team workouts May 26-28 and June 1-3 and mandatory minicamp June 9-11.
From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026
“Every single person on this street is subject to a mandatory search, by high order of the Kuhani. Failure to comply may result in fines and imprisonment. Make a neat and orderly line.”
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
