Date: 2012-01-30

Reference

ISO/TC176/SC1 N 400
ISO/TC176/SC1/WG1 N 318

ISO 9000 Introduction and support package:

Guidance on some of the frequently used words found in the
ISO 9000 family of standards

1. Introduction

Great care has been taken during the development of ISO 9001 and ISO 9004 to use the
correct English words to describe the concepts involved, to assist text writers in consistent
references to the concepts and to assist in their readability and translation. The objective is to
achieve consistency of language throughout the documents to reduce confusion, in support of
the technical vocabulary found in ISO 9000:2005.

ISO 9000:2005, Quality management systems - Fundamentals and Vocabulary

The table below provides the selected dictionary meanings for common words, which should
be applied when writing, translating or using the standards.

2. Table of common words used in the ISO 9000 family of Standards

Word Meaning
accordance noun (in accordance with) in a manner conforming with
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 7 and 8)
activity noun action in pursuit of an objective
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 0.2)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 1, 4, 6 and 9)
adequacy noun sufficiency to satisfy a requirement
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 4, 5 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 8)

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 Word Meaning
adjustment noun act of making something to match a standard
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN ISO
9004:2009
analysis noun detailed examination of the elements or structure
ISO 9001:2008 of something
(Clause 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 7 and 8)
appropriate adjective suitable (for, to)
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 5, 6, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 8 and
A.5)
applicable adjective - relevant
ISO 9001:2008 - appropriate
(Clauses 0.1, 0.3, 1, 4, - possible to apply
6, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 1, 6, 8 and
A.6)
assess verb determine the value of
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.1, 5 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 8, 9
and A.4)
authority noun - power to command or give a final decision
ISO 9001:2008 - body that has legal powers and rights
(Clauses 5 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 7)
available adjective able to be used or obtained
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 4)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5, 6, 7, 8 and
9)
awareness noun knowledge or perception of a situation or fact
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 5 and 6)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 8)
calibration noun act of aligning the accuracy of a measuring
ISO 9001:2008 equipment to a known standard
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN ISO
9004:2009

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 Word Meaning
can verb ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
- be able to
- there is a possibility of
- it is possible to
cannot verb ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
- be unable to
- there is no possibility of
- it is not possible to
commitment noun state of being dedicated to a cause or policy
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 5 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5 and 9)
communication noun action of sharing or exchanging information or
ISO 9001:2008 ideas
(Clauses 5, 6 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5, 6, 8 and
A.6)
complaint noun an expression of dissatisfaction, displeasure or
ISO 9001:2008 discontent
(Clauses 7 and 8)
NOT USED IN ISO
9004:2009
comply verb (person or organization) meet specified standards
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 5)
NOT USED IN ISO
9004:2009
confirm verb support or establish the certainty or validity of
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN ISO
9004:2009
conform verb - (item) meet specified requirements
ISO 9001:2008 - to act in accordance with prevailing standards
(Clauses 4, 7 and 8) or customs
NOT USED IN ISO
9004:2009
consistent adjective - (consistent with) conforming to or in agreement
ISO 9001:2008 with
(Clauses 5 and 7) - coherent with
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 7, 8, A.2
and A.6)
consistently adverb unchanging over time
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 1)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4 and 9)

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 Word Meaning
control noun - power to direct, restrain or regulate
ISO 9001:2008 - means of restraining or regulating
(Clauses 0.2, 4, 7 and
8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 8)
control verb - direct, restrain or regulate
ISO 9001:2008 - restrain or regulate
(Clauses 4, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 7)
data noun facts used for reference or analysis
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 6, 8 and 9)
define verb state or describe exactly the nature, scope or
ISO 9001:2008 meaning of
(Clauses 4, 5, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5, 6, 7, 8 and
9)
demonstrate verb show clearly with objective evidence
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 1, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 9)
deploy verb put into use or action
NOT USED IN
9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5 and A.2)
deployment noun implementation
NOT USED IN
9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 5)
determine verb establish or find out with certainty by research,
ISO 9001:2008 examination or calculation
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7 and
8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5, 6, 7, 8, A.1
and A.2)
distribution noun act of allocating to recipients
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 4)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 5 and 6)

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 Word Meaning
disposition noun action of dealing with things in a particular way
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause
4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
documentation noun See Note 2 to ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.7.2
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 4) A set of documents, for example specifications and
NOT USED IN DIS records, is frequently called “documentation”
9004
enhance verb improve the quality, value or extent of
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 1 and 6)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 8 and 9)
ensure verb make certain of
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7 and
8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
and 9)
essential adjective absolutely necessary
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 8 and 9)
establish verb set up
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.2, 0.4, 4, 5,
7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
9, A.1 and A.5)
evaluate verb synonym: assess
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause
5 and 6)
exclusion noun item or eventuality specifically not covered
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 1 and 4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
expectation noun - belief about (or mental picture of) the future
NOT USED IN - wishing with confidence of fulfilment
9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
and A.2)

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 Word Meaning
experience noun practical contact with and observation of facts and
ISO 9001:2008 events
(Clause 6)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 8, 9 and
Annex B)
facilitate verb - make easy or easier
NOT USED IN - promote, help forward (an action, result, etc.)
9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 7 and 8)
feedback noun information given in response to a product, a
ISO 9001:2008 person’s performance of a task, etc., used as a
(Clauses 5 and 7) basis for improvement
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5 and 8)
focus noun centre of interest or activity
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.3 and 5)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 4)
framework noun essential supporting or underlying structure
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 5)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, A.2 and
B.7)
functional adjective designed to be practical and useful
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 8, A.4, A.5
and Annex B)
hardware noun See the definition of “product” in ISO 9000:2005
ISO 9001:2008 clause 3.4.2
(Clause 6)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
identify verb establish the identity of someone or somebody
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.2 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
A.5 and A.6)
identifiable adjective recognizable through a unique characteristic
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004

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 Word Meaning
impartiality noun state of being without prejudice or bias
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 8)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
implement verb put into effect or practice
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.2, 4, 5, 6, 7
and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 7, 8 and 9)
improvement noun action or process of making or becoming better
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 2, 3, 5 and 8) See also “continual improvement” and “quality
ISO 9004:2009 improvement”.
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
9, A.2, A.5 and A.6 )
independent adjective - not connected with another; separate
(noun: independence) - not subject to another’s authority
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 0.3)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
integrity noun state of being whole; the condition of being unified
ISO 9001:2008 or sound in construction
(Clause 5)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6 and 8)
irrespective adjective -in spite of
ISO 9001:2008 - without regard to
(Clause 5)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
justification noun evidence proving that something is right or
ISO 9001:2008 reasonable
(Clause 4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
legible adjective possible to be read by a person or a machine for
ISO 9001:2008 intended use
(Clause 4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
liaison noun communication or cooperation between people or
ISO 9001:2008 organizations
(Foreword)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004

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 Word Meaning
maintain verb cause or enable (a condition or state of affairs) to
ISO 9001:2008 continue
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7 and
8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
and 9)
maintenance noun process or state of keeping (a system, service,
ISO 9001:2008 building, machine, etc) in good order by checking
(Clause 7) or repairing it regularly
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
may verb ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
- is permitted
- is allowed
- is permissible
measurable adjective able to be measured
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 5)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 8)
measure verb ascertain size, amount, or performance of
ISO 9001:2008 (something) by comparison with a standard unit or
(Clauses 0.2 and 4) with an object of known size
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4 and 8)
methodology noun system of methods used in a particular field
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 0.2)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 8, 9 and A.5)
monitor verb observe and check over a period of time; maintain
ISO 9001:2008 regular close observation over
Clauses 0.2, 4 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6 and 8)
necessary adjective required to be done, achieved or present
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.2, 4, 6, 7
and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
and 9)
need noun a lack of something that is required
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.1, 0.2, 4, 6,
7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
9, A.2, A.3, A.4
and A.5)

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 Word Meaning
objective noun something to be achieved
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.1, 0.3, 4, 5,
6, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9 and A.2)
objective adjective not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in
ISO 9001:2008 considering or representing facts
(Clause 0.2)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
obsolete adjective no longer produced or used; out of date
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
origin noun point at which something begins or arises
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 4 and 8)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
Outsource verb obtain goods or services from an outside supplier
USED IN 9001:2008 when considered as an alternative to carry out the
(Clause 4 and table associated process within the own organization
B.1) [as a verb
“outsource” and as an
adjective “outsourced”]
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6 and 7 [as
adjective “outsourced”])
perception noun way of regarding, understanding or interpreting
ISO 9001:2008 something
(Clauses 0.2 and 8)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
performance noun - the ability to achieve something
ISO 9001:2008 - the achievement itself
(Clauses 0.2, 0.3, 5, 7
and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 8, 9,
A.2, A.3 and A.5)
periodic adjective recurring or reappearing at regular intervals
NOT USED IN
9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 8)

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 Word Meaning
physical adjective tangible or concrete
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 6)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 6)
plan noun scheme, programme or method worked out
ISO 9001:2008 beforehand for the accomplishment of an objective
(Clauses 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
and A.1)
plan verb decide on and arrange in advance
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.2, 5, 7 and
8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 7, 8 and 9)
practicable adjective capable of being done with means at hand and
ISO 9001:2008 circumstances as they are
(Clause 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 8)
preservation noun action or act of maintaining something in its original
ISO 9001:2008 or existing state
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
previous adjective existing or occurring before something else in time
ISO 9001:2008 or in order
(Clauses 5, 7 and 8)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
process approach noun systematic identification and management of the
ISO 9001:2008 processes employed within an organization and
(Clause 0.2) particularly the interactions between such
ISO 9004:2009 processes
(Clauses 4, 7 and 9 )
promote verb further the progress of, support or encourage
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause
0.2)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4 and 6)
property noun thing or things belonging to a person, persons or
ISO 9001:2008 organization
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
protect verb keep safe from damage
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 6)

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 Word Meaning
realization noun - action of achieving something desired or
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause anticipated
1, 4, 7 and 8) - fulfilment
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 7 and 9)
recognize verb - be fully aware of
NOT USED IN - perceive or show acceptance of the validity or
9001:2008 reality of something
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 7, 9 and A.6)
regulatory adjective required, permitted or enacted by a rule or directive
ISO 9001:2008 passed by an authority
(Clauses 0.1, 1, 4 and
7) See also statutory
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 1, 4, 6, 7 and
8)
relevant adjective closely connected or appropriate to the matter in
ISO 9001:2008 hand
(Clauses 4, 5, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause
5, 6, 8, A.2, A.3 and
A.4)
require verb express need essential to the fulfilment of
ISO 9001:2008 something
(Clauses 0.2, 1, 4 and
7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 9 and A.5)
resource noun stock or supply of materials, assets or personnel
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.2, 4, 5, 6
and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
9, A.2 and A.5)
responsibility noun task which a person or organization is required to
ISO 9001:2008 do or control as part of a job, role or legal
(Clauses 1, 4, 5 and 7) obligation
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6 and 7)
responsible adjective having an obligation to do something or having
ISO 9001:2008 control over or care for someone
(Clause 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5, 6 and
Annex B)
retain verb - keep possession of
ISO 9001:2008 - not abolish, discard or alter
(Clause 4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004

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 Word Meaning
retrievable adjective capable of being brought back
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
safeguard verb protect or prevent something undesirable (from
ISO 9001:2008 happening)
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
scope noun extent of the area or subject matter that something
ISO 9001:2008 deals with or to which it is relevant
(Clauses 1, 4 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 1, 8 and A.5)
sequence noun a particular order in which related events,
ISO 9001:2008 movements, etc, follow each other
(Clause 4)
ISO/DIC 90004
(Clauses 5, 7 and
Annex B)
shall verb ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
- is to
- is required to
- it is required that
- has to
- only … is permitted
- it is necessary
shall not verb ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
- is not allowed [permitted] [acceptable]
[permissible]
- is required to be not
- is required that … be not
- is not to be
should verb ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
- it is recommended that
- ought to
should not verb ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
- it is not recommended that
- ought not to
skill noun ability to do something well
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 6)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6 and 9)
software noun See definition of “product” in ISO 9000:2005 clause
ISO 9001:2008 3.4.2
(Clauses 6 and 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004

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 Word Meaning
specific adjective of or relating to a particular subject
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.4 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 7, 8, 9 and
Annex B)
specify verb state explicitly, clearly and definitely
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
statutory adjective required, permitted or enacted by a written law
ISO 9001:2008 passed by a body having the power to make laws
(Clauses 0.1, 1, 4 and
7) See also regulatory
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 6, 7 and 8)
strategy noun systematic plan of action to achieve an aim
NOT USED IN
9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
9, A.2 and A.3)
suitability noun characteristic of something that is right or
ISO 9001:2008 appropriate for a particular purpose
(Clauses 5, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6 and 8)
suitable adjective appropriate (for a particular purpose)
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7, 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 7 and A.5)
supply verb make available for use
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 5)
systematic adjective done or acting according to a system
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5 and 8)
training noun act of developing a particular skill or type of
ISO 9001:2008 behaviour through demonstration, instruction and
(Clause 6) practice
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 6)

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 Word Meaning
unambiguous adjective having only one meaning
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
utilities noun services such as gas, water, electricity,
ISO 9001:2008 telecommunication, etc.
(Clause 6)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
validate verb carry out validation
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7) See ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.8.5
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
validity noun conformity to fact, accuracy or precision
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 8)
verify verb carry out verification
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 7 and 8) See ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.8.4
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
workspace noun area in which work is performed
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 6)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004

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