mandatory

American  

[man-duh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / ˈmæn dəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

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.

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noun

plural

mandatories

1. mandatary.

mandatory British  

/ 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

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noun

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

Other Word Forms

• mandatorily adverb
• nonmandatory adjective
• unmandatory adjective

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.

Example Sentences

The decline has triggered cutbacks, mandatory and voluntary.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

The CMA's investigation found that people booking lessons online between April and December last year were initially shown prices that did not include a mandatory booking fee.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Instead, the WGA was able to expand access to AI information and require mandatory meetings if companies that develop artificial intelligence technology hope to license writers’ work to train generative AI systems.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Many K-pop boy bands have faced career downturns after completing mandatory military service, in a fiercely competitive industry where momentum is hard to regain.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 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

Related Words

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