mandatory

[man-duh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee]

adjective

1. authoritatively ordered; obligatory; compulsory.

   It is mandatory that all students take two years of math.

   Synonyms: exigent, requisite

2. pertaining to, of the nature of, or containing a command.

3. Law.,  permitting no option; not to be disregarded or modified.

   a mandatory clause.

4. having received a mandate, as a nation.

noun

plural

mandatories 

1. mandatary.

mandatory

/ ˈmændətərɪ, -trɪ /

adjective

1. having the nature or powers of a mandate

2. obligatory; compulsory

3. (of a state) having received a mandate over some territory

noun

1. Also called: mandatary. a person or state holding a mandate

Other Word Forms

• mandatorily adverb
• nonmandatory adjective
• unmandatory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mandatory¹

From the Late Latin word mandātōrius, dating back to 1655–65. See mandate, -tory ¹

Example Sentences

"It will not be compulsory to obtain a digital ID but it will be mandatory for some applications."

Read more on BBC

In California, second-degree murder has a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, while practicing medicine without a certification is punishable by up to three years.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Medicare funding is considered mandatory and, as such, key program functions aren’t affected by the shutdown.

Read more on Barron's

The neighborhood is located far from the Palisades fire but was subject to mandatory evacuations during the Sunset fire, which broke out the day after the Palisades fire began.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Ertonguc is advocating for retail licensing, mandatory age checks, pre-market product testing and clearer health warnings to reflect the risk profile of vaping compared to smoking, and tougher penalties for those who break the rules.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• binding 
• compulsory 
• de rigueur 
• essential 
• forced 
• imperative 
• indispensable 
• involuntary 
• obligatory