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

They have already had experience of the government's Covid ID, which was used during the pandemic to show vaccination status and was mandatory to enter restaurants and bars.

From BBC

Students 13 and older have conditional access that requires completion of mandatory training and “Responsible Use Policy” signatures from students and parents.

From Los Angeles Times

The mandatory tests, first reported by Schools Week, would aim to check their progress two years into secondary school.

From BBC

Digital ID will be available to all UK citizens and legal residents, and mandatory in order to work.

From BBC

The Liberal Democrats, who played a central role in blocking the previous Labour government's ID cards, have said they "cannot support" a mandatory scheme.

From BBC

Related Words

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