Date: 2012-01-30
Reference
N 400
ISO/TC176/SC1/WG1 N 318
ISO/TC176/SC1
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
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 7 and 8)
activity
noun
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 0.2)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 1, 4, 6 and 9)
adequacy
noun
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 4, 5 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 8)
(in accordance with) in a manner conforming with
-1-
action in pursuit of an objective
sufficiency to satisfy a requirement
Word
adjustment
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN ISO
9004:2009
analysis
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 7 and 8)
appropriate
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 5, 6, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 8 and
A.5)
applicable
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.1, 0.3, 1, 4,
6, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 1, 6, 8 and
A.6)
assess
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.1, 5 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 8, 9
and A.4)
authority
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 5 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 7)
available
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 4)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5, 6, 7, 8 and
9)
awareness
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 5 and 6)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 8)
calibration
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN ISO
9004:2009
-2-
Meaning
noun
act of making something to match a standard
noun
detailed examination of the elements or structure
of something
adjective suitable (for, to)
adjective - relevant
- appropriate
- possible to apply
verb
determine the value of
noun
- power to command or give a final decision
- body that has legal powers and rights
adjective able to be used or obtained
noun
knowledge or perception of a situation or fact
noun
act of aligning the accuracy of a measuring
equipment to a known standard
Word
Meaning
can
verb
cannot
verb
commitment
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 5 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5 and 9)
communication
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 5, 6 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5, 6, 8 and
A.6)
complaint
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 7 and 8)
NOT USED IN ISO
9004:2009
comply
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 5)
NOT USED IN ISO
9004:2009
confirm
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN ISO
9004:2009
conform
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 4, 7 and 8)
NOT USED IN ISO
9004:2009
consistent
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 5 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 7, 8, A.2
and A.6)
consistently
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 1)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4 and 9)
noun
-3-
ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
- be able to
- there is a possibility of
- it is possible to
ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
- be unable to
- there is no possibility of
- it is not possible to
state of being dedicated to a cause or policy
noun
action of sharing or exchanging information or
ideas
noun
an expression of dissatisfaction, displeasure or
discontent
verb
(person or organization) meet specified standards
verb
support or establish the certainty or validity of
verb
- (item) meet specified requirements
- to act in accordance with prevailing standards
or customs
adjective - (consistent with) conforming to or in agreement
with
- coherent with
adverb
unchanging over time
Word
control
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.2, 4, 7 and
8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 8)
control
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 4, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 7)
data
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 6, 8 and 9)
define
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 4, 5, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5, 6, 7, 8 and
9)
demonstrate
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 1, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 9)
deploy
NOT USED IN
9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5 and A.2)
deployment
NOT USED IN
9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 5)
determine
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7 and
8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5, 6, 7, 8, A.1
and A.2)
distribution
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 4)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 5 and 6)
-4-
Meaning
noun
- power to direct, restrain or regulate
- means of restraining or regulating
verb
- direct, restrain or regulate
- restrain or regulate
noun
facts used for reference or analysis
verb
state or describe exactly the nature, scope or
meaning of
verb
show clearly with objective evidence
verb
put into use or action
noun
implementation
verb
establish or find out with certainty by research,
examination or calculation
noun
act of allocating to recipients
Word
disposition
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause
4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
documentation
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
enhance
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 1 and 6)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 8 and 9)
ensure
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7 and
8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
and 9)
essential
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 8 and 9)
establish
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
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause
5 and 6)
exclusion
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 1 and 4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
expectation
NOT USED IN
9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
and A.2)
-5-
Meaning
noun
action of dealing with things in a particular way
noun
See Note 2 to ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.7.2
A set of documents, for example specifications and
records, is frequently called “documentation”
verb
improve the quality, value or extent of
verb
make certain of
adjective absolutely necessary
verb
set up
verb
synonym: assess
noun
item or eventuality specifically not covered
noun
- belief about (or mental picture of) the future
- wishing with confidence of fulfilment
Word
experience
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 6)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 8, 9 and
Annex B)
facilitate
NOT USED IN
9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 7 and 8)
feedback
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 5 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5 and 8)
focus
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.3 and 5)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 4)
framework
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 5)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, A.2 and
B.7)
functional
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 8, A.4, A.5
and Annex B)
hardware
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 6)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
identify
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.2 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
A.5 and A.6)
identifiable
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
-6-
Meaning
noun
practical contact with and observation of facts and
events
verb
- make easy or easier
- promote, help forward (an action, result, etc.)
noun
information given in response to a product, a
person’s performance of a task, etc., used as a
basis for improvement
noun
centre of interest or activity
noun
essential supporting or underlying structure
adjective designed to be practical and useful
noun
See the definition of “product” in ISO 9000:2005
clause 3.4.2
verb
establish the identity of someone or somebody
adjective recognizable through a unique characteristic
Word
impartiality
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 8)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
implement
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.2, 4, 5, 6, 7
and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 7, 8 and 9)
improvement
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 2, 3, 5 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
9, A.2, A.5 and A.6 )
independent
(noun: independence)
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 0.3)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
integrity
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 5)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6 and 8)
irrespective
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 5)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
justification
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
legible
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
liaison
ISO 9001:2008
(Foreword)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
-7-
Meaning
noun
state of being without prejudice or bias
verb
put into effect or practice
noun
action or process of making or becoming better
See also “continual improvement” and “quality
improvement”.
adjective - not connected with another; separate
- not subject to another’s authority
noun
state of being whole; the condition of being unified
or sound in construction
adjective -in spite of
- without regard to
noun
evidence proving that something is right or
reasonable
adjective possible to be read by a person or a machine for
intended use
noun
communication or cooperation between people or
organizations
Word
Meaning
maintain
verb
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7 and
8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
and 9)
maintenance
noun
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
may
verb
cause or enable (a condition or state of affairs) to
continue
measurable
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 5)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 8)
measure
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.2 and 4)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4 and 8)
methodology
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 0.2)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 8, 9 and A.5)
monitor
ISO 9001:2008
Clauses 0.2, 4 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6 and 8)
necessary
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.2, 4, 6, 7
and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
and 9)
need
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)
-8-
process or state of keeping (a system, service,
building, machine, etc) in good order by checking
or repairing it regularly
ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
- is permitted
- is allowed
- is permissible
adjective able to be measured
verb
ascertain size, amount, or performance of
(something) by comparison with a standard unit or
with an object of known size
noun
system of methods used in a particular field
verb
observe and check over a period of time; maintain
regular close observation over
adjective required to be done, achieved or present
noun
a lack of something that is required
Word
objective
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
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 0.2)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
obsolete
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
origin
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 4 and 8)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
Outsource
USED IN 9001:2008
(Clause 4 and table
B.1) [as a verb
“outsource” and as an
adjective “outsourced”]
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6 and 7 [as
adjective “outsourced”])
perception
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.2 and 8)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
performance
ISO 9001:2008
(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
NOT USED IN
9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 8)
-9-
Meaning
noun
something to be achieved
adjective not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in
considering or representing facts
adjective no longer produced or used; out of date
noun
point at which something begins or arises
verb
obtain goods or services from an outside supplier
when considered as an alternative to carry out the
associated process within the own organization
noun
way of regarding, understanding or interpreting
something
noun
- the ability to achieve something
- the achievement itself
adjective recurring or reappearing at regular intervals
Word
physical
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 6)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 6)
plan
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
and A.1)
plan
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.2, 5, 7 and
8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 7, 8 and 9)
practicable
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 8)
preservation
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
previous
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 5, 7 and 8)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
process approach
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 0.2)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 7 and 9 )
promote
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause
0.2)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4 and 6)
property
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
protect
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 6)
- 10 -
Meaning
adjective tangible or concrete
noun
scheme, programme or method worked out
beforehand for the accomplishment of an objective
verb
decide on and arrange in advance
adjective capable of being done with means at hand and
circumstances as they are
noun
action or act of maintaining something in its original
or existing state
adjective existing or occurring before something else in time
or in order
noun
systematic identification and management of the
processes employed within an organization and
particularly the interactions between such
processes
verb
further the progress of, support or encourage
noun
thing or things belonging to a person, persons or
organization
verb
keep safe from damage
Word
realization
ISO 9001:2008 (Clause
1, 4, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 7 and 9)
recognize
NOT USED IN
9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 7, 9 and A.6)
regulatory
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.1, 1, 4 and
7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 1, 4, 6, 7 and
8)
relevant
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 4, 5, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009 (Clause
5, 6, 8, A.2, A.3 and
A.4)
require
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.2, 1, 4 and
7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 9 and A.5)
resource
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
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 1, 4, 5 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6 and 7)
responsible
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5, 6 and
Annex B)
retain
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
- 11 -
Meaning
noun
- action of achieving something desired or
anticipated
- fulfilment
verb
- be fully aware of
- perceive or show acceptance of the validity or
reality of something
adjective required, permitted or enacted by a rule or directive
passed by an authority
See also statutory
adjective closely connected or appropriate to the matter in
hand
verb
express need essential to the fulfilment of
something
noun
stock or supply of materials, assets or personnel
noun
task which a person or organization is required to
do or control as part of a job, role or legal
obligation
adjective having an obligation to do something or having
control over or care for someone
verb
- keep possession of
- not abolish, discard or alter
Word
Meaning
retrievable
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
safeguard
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
scope
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 1, 4 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 1, 8 and A.5)
sequence
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 4)
ISO/DIC 90004
(Clauses 5, 7 and
Annex B)
shall
adjective capable of being brought back
shall not
verb
should
verb
should not
verb
skill
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 6)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6 and 9)
software
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 6 and 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
noun
- 12 -
verb
protect or prevent something undesirable (from
happening)
noun
extent of the area or subject matter that something
deals with or to which it is relevant
noun
a particular order in which related events,
movements, etc, follow each other
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
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
ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
- it is recommended that
- ought to
ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G
- it is not recommended that
- ought not to
ability to do something well
noun
See definition of “product” in ISO 9000:2005 clause
3.4.2
Word
specific
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.4 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 7, 8, 9 and
Annex B)
specify
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
statutory
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.1, 1, 4 and
7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 6, 7 and 8)
strategy
NOT USED IN
9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
9, A.2 and A.3)
suitability
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 5, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6 and 8)
suitable
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7, 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 7 and A.5)
supply
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 5)
systematic
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5 and 8)
training
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 6)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 6)
- 13 -
Meaning
adjective of or relating to a particular subject
verb
state explicitly, clearly and definitely
adjective required, permitted or enacted by a written law
passed by a body having the power to make laws
See also regulatory
noun
systematic plan of action to achieve an aim
noun
characteristic of something that is right or
appropriate for a particular purpose
adjective appropriate (for a particular purpose)
verb
make available for use
adjective done or acting according to a system
noun
act of developing a particular skill or type of
behaviour through demonstration, instruction and
practice
Word
unambiguous
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
utilities
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 6)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
validate
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
validity
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 8)
verify
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 7 and 8)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
workspace
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 6)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
- 14 -
Meaning
adjective having only one meaning
noun
services such as gas, water, electricity,
telecommunication, etc.
verb
carry out validation
See ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.8.5
noun
conformity to fact, accuracy or precision
verb
carry out verification
See ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.8.4
noun
area in which work is performed