feign compliance

USAGE SUMMARY

'feign compliance' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone who pretends to follow a rule or obey an instruction, but does not actually do so. For example, "The child pretended to obey his teacher's instructions, but his mother could tell that he was only feigning compliance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Commission's current reform proposals present an opportunity to rewrite the law to better accord with expectation and practice, so that there is no longer a need to feign compliance.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ofsted's report said: "Parents' explanations for bruising and other injuries were too readily accepted … without further examination of the child or consultation with named child protection doctors or nurses... Similarly, social care staff often found it difficult to identify chronic neglect because of parents' feigned compliance with social work interventions".

The Guardian

Miguel feigned compliance with Pedro I's plans.

Wikipedia

"Minister Dutton should know the difference between real commitment and feigned compliance when there is cash on the barrelhead.

Vice

Although initially feigning compliance, at the last minute, Ellen gave the President a dose of blood thinners causing a postponement of the surgery.

Huffington Post

The use of online delivery of the self-control training intervention will enable us to analyze the percentage compliance with the task (including feigned compliance, engaging in the task but providing meaningless responses) and any improvements in Stroop performance over the course of the intervention relative to baseline.

BMC Public Health

Since 1991, when the sanctions imposed on Iraq after its 1990 invasion of Kuwait were linked to its getting rid of all weapons of mass destruction, the Iraqis have feigned progress toward compliance, apparently to stall punishment or to divide the Security Council.

The New York Times

Do I feign indifference?

The New York Times

I feign bravado.

The New York Times - Magazine

He would feign sleep.

The Guardian

Feign disorder, and crush him".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feign compliance" when you want to emphasize the insincerity behind someone's apparent adherence to rules or requests, suggesting a deliberate attempt to mislead.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because someone appears to be complying, they actually are. "Feign compliance" implies a lack of genuine commitment, so ensure your assessment accounts for the possibility of deception.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feign compliance" functions as a verb phrase where "feign" acts as a transitive verb taking "compliance" as its direct object. According to Ludwig, it describes the act of pretending to adhere to rules or instructions without genuine intent.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feign compliance" describes pretending to follow rules without genuine intent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While "feign compliance" is not very common, it appears across News & Media, Wiki, and Science. When using this phrase, remember that it highlights insincerity and should be employed when you want to emphasize deceptive adherence rather than actual commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pretend to comply

Focuses on the act of pretending rather than the specific nuance of 'feigning'.

simulate adherence

Emphasizes the artificial nature of the compliance.

fake obedience

Highlights the insincerity of the obedience.

give the appearance of compliance

Stresses the superficial aspect of compliance.

act as if compliant

Focuses on the performed behavior of compliance.

profess compliance

Highlights the act of claiming compliance, which may not be genuine.

make a show of compliance

Emphasizes the performative and possibly deceptive nature of the compliance.

put on an act of compliance

Highlights that compliance is not genuine and is merely an act.

affect compliance

Focuses on assuming or pretending to have compliance without actually possessing it.

masquerade as compliant

Implies a deceptive disguise of compliance to conceal true intentions.

FAQs

How can I use "feign compliance" in a sentence?

You can use "feign compliance" to describe situations where someone pretends to follow rules or instructions without genuinely doing so. For example: 'The student tried to "feign compliance" with the dress code by wearing a hat that technically met the requirements but was clearly disruptive'.

What does it mean to "feign compliance"?

"Feign compliance" means to pretend to obey or adhere to something, such as a rule, law, or request, without genuinely doing so. It implies a deceptive intent behind the apparent agreement.

What are some alternatives to saying "feign compliance"?

Alternatives to "feign compliance" include "pretend to comply", "simulate adherence", or "fake obedience", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "feign compliance" or "fake compliance"?

Both "feign compliance" and "fake compliance" are acceptable, but "feign compliance" often carries a slightly more formal or literary tone. "Fake compliance" is more straightforward and commonly used in everyday language.