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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 ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 7 and 8)

noun (in accordance with) in a manner conforming with

activity ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 0.2) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 1, 4, 6 and 9)

noun action in pursuit of an objective

adequacy ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 5 and 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 8)

noun sufficiency to satisfy a requirement

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

Date: 2012-01-30

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Word Meaning

adjustment ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7) NOT USED IN ISO 9004:2009

noun act of making something to match a standard

analysis ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 7 and 8)

noun detailed examination of the elements or structure of something

appropriate ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5, 6, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, 5, 6, 8 and A.5)

adjective suitable (for, to)

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)

adjective - relevant - appropriate - possible to apply

assess ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.1, 5 and 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and A.4)

verb determine the value of

authority ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 7)

noun - power to command or give a final decision - body that has legal powers and rights

available ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 4) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9)

adjective able to be used or obtained

awareness ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5 and 6) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 8)

noun knowledge or perception of a situation or fact

calibration ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7) NOT USED IN ISO 9004:2009

noun act of aligning the accuracy of a measuring equipment to a known standard

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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 ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5 and 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 5 and 9)

noun state of being dedicated to a cause or policy

communication ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5, 6 and 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 5, 6, 8 and A.6)

noun action of sharing or exchanging information or ideas

complaint ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 7 and 8) NOT USED IN ISO 9004:2009

noun an expression of dissatisfaction, displeasure or discontent

comply ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 5) NOT USED IN ISO 9004:2009

verb (person or organization) meet specified standards

confirm ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7) NOT USED IN ISO 9004:2009

verb support or establish the certainty or validity of

conform ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 7 and 8) NOT USED IN ISO 9004:2009

verb - (item) meet specified requirements - to act in accordance with prevailing standards

or customs

consistent ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5 and 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 6, 7, 8, A.2 and A.6)

adjective - (consistent with) conforming to or in agreement with

- coherent with

consistently ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 1) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4 and 9)

adverb unchanging over time

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Word Meaning

control ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2, 4, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 8)

noun - power to direct, restrain or regulate - means of restraining or regulating

control ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 7)

verb - direct, restrain or regulate - restrain or regulate

data ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, 6, 8 and 9)

noun facts used for reference or analysis

define ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 5, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9)

verb state or describe exactly the nature, scope or meaning of

demonstrate ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 1, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 9)

verb show clearly with objective evidence

deploy NOT USED IN 9001:2008 ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, 5 and A.2)

verb put into use or action

deployment NOT USED IN 9001:2008 ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 5)

noun implementation

determine ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 5, 6, 7, 8, A.1 and A.2)

verb establish or find out with certainty by research, examination or calculation

distribution ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 4) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 5 and 6)

noun act of allocating to recipients

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Word Meaning

disposition ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 4) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

noun action of dealing with things in a particular way

documentation ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 4) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

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

enhance ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 1 and 6) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 6, 8 and 9)

verb improve the quality, value or extent of

ensure ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9)

verb make certain of

essential ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 6, 8 and 9)

adjective absolutely necessary

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)

verb set up

evaluate ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 5 and 6)

verb synonym: assess

exclusion ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 1 and 4) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

noun item or eventuality specifically not covered

expectation NOT USED IN 9001:2008 ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and A.2)

noun - belief about (or mental picture of) the future - wishing with confidence of fulfilment

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Word Meaning

experience ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 6) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 6, 8, 9 and Annex B)

noun practical contact with and observation of facts and events

facilitate NOT USED IN 9001:2008 ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 7 and 8)

verb - make easy or easier - promote, help forward (an action, result, etc.)

feedback ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5 and 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 5 and 8)

noun information given in response to a product, a persons performance of a task, etc., used as a basis for improvement

focus ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.3 and 5) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 4)

noun centre of interest or activity

framework ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 5) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, A.2 and B.7)

noun essential supporting or underlying structure

functional ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 8, A.4, A.5 and Annex B)

adjective designed to be practical and useful

hardware ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 6) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

noun See the definition of product in ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.4.2

identify ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2 and 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, A.5 and A.6)

verb establish the identity of someone or somebody

identifiable ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 4) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

adjective recognizable through a unique characteristic

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Word Meaning

impartiality ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 8) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

noun state of being without prejudice or bias

implement ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 6, 7, 8 and 9)

verb put into effect or practice

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 )

noun action or process of making or becoming better See also continual improvement and quality improvement.

independent (noun: independence) ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 0.3) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

adjective - not connected with another; separate - not subject to anothers authority

integrity ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 5) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 6 and 8)

noun state of being whole; the condition of being unified or sound in construction

irrespective ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 5) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

adjective -in spite of - without regard to

justification ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 4) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

noun evidence proving that something is right or reasonable

legible ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 4) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

adjective possible to be read by a person or a machine for intended use

liaison ISO 9001:2008 (Foreword) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

noun communication or cooperation between people or organizations

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Word Meaning

maintain ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9)

verb cause or enable (a condition or state of affairs) to continue

maintenance ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

noun process or state of keeping (a system, service, building, machine, etc) in good order by checking or repairing it regularly

may verb ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 Annex G - is permitted - is allowed - is permissible

measurable ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 5) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 8)

adjective able to be measured

measure ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2 and 4) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4 and 8)

verb ascertain size, amount, or performance of (something) by comparison with a standard unit or with an object of known size

methodology ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 0.2) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 8, 9 and A.5)

noun system of methods used in a particular field

monitor ISO 9001:2008 Clauses 0.2, 4 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, 5, 6 and 8)

verb observe and check over a period of time; maintain regular close observation over

necessary ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2, 4, 6, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9)

adjective required to be done, achieved or present

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)

noun a lack of something that is required

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Word Meaning

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)

noun something to be achieved

objective ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 0.2) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

adjective not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering or representing facts

obsolete ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 4) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

adjective no longer produced or used; out of date

origin ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4 and 8) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

noun point at which something begins or arises

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])

verb obtain goods or services from an outside supplier when considered as an alternative to carry out the associated process within the own organization

perception ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2 and 8) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

noun way of regarding, understanding or interpreting something

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)

noun - the ability to achieve something - the achievement itself

periodic NOT USED IN 9001:2008 ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 8)

adjective recurring or reappearing at regular intervals

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Word Meaning

physical ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 6) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 6)

adjective tangible or concrete

plan ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and A.1)

noun scheme, programme or method worked out beforehand for the accomplishment of an objective

plan ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2, 5, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 6, 7, 8 and 9)

verb decide on and arrange in advance

practicable ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 8)

adjective capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are

preservation ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

noun action or act of maintaining something in its original or existing state

previous ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5, 7 and 8) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

adjective existing or occurring before something else in time or in order

process approach ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 0.2) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, 7 and 9 )

noun systematic identification and management of the processes employed within an organization and particularly the interactions between such processes

promote ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 0.2) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4 and 6)

verb further the progress of, support or encourage

property ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

noun thing or things belonging to a person, persons or organization

protect ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 6)

verb keep safe from damage

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Word Meaning

realization ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 1, 4, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 6, 7 and 9)

noun - action of achieving something desired or anticipated

- fulfilment

recognize NOT USED IN 9001:2008 ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 7, 9 and A.6)

verb - be fully aware of - perceive or show acceptance of the validity or

reality of something

regulatory ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.1, 1, 4 and 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 1, 4, 6, 7 and 8)

adjective required, permitted or enacted by a rule or directive passed by an authority See also statutory

relevant ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 5, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 5, 6, 8, A.2, A.3 and A.4)

adjective closely connected or appropriate to the matter in hand

require ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2, 1, 4 and 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, 9 and A.5)

verb express need essential to the fulfilment of something

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)

noun stock or supply of materials, assets or personnel

responsibility ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 1, 4, 5 and 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 6 and 7)

noun task which a person or organization is required to do or control as part of a job, role or legal obligation

responsible ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 5, 6 and Annex B)

adjective having an obligation to do something or having control over or care for someone

retain ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 4) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

verb - keep possession of - not abolish, discard or alter

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Word Meaning

retrievable ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 4) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

adjective capable of being brought back

safeguard ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

verb protect or prevent something undesirable (from happening)

scope ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 1, 4 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 1, 8 and A.5)

noun extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant

sequence ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 4) ISO/DIC 90004 (Clauses 5, 7 and Annex B)

noun a particular order in which related events, movements, etc, follow each other

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 ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 6) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 6 and 9)

noun ability to do something well

software ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 6 and 7) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

noun See definition of product in ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.4.2

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Word Meaning

specific ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.4 and 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 7, 8, 9 and Annex B)

adjective of or relating to a particular subject

specify ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

verb state explicitly, clearly and definitely

statutory ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.1, 1, 4 and 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, 6, 7 and 8)

adjective required, permitted or enacted by a written law passed by a body having the power to make laws See also regulatory

strategy NOT USED IN 9001:2008 ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A.2 and A.3)

noun systematic plan of action to achieve an aim

suitability ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 6 and 8)

noun characteristic of something that is right or appropriate for a particular purpose

suitable ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7, 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 6, 7 and A.5)

adjective appropriate (for a particular purpose)

supply ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 5)

verb make available for use

systematic ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses 5 and 8)

adjective done or acting according to a system

training ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 6) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 6)

noun act of developing a particular skill or type of behaviour through demonstration, instruction and practice

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Word Meaning

unambiguous ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

adjective having only one meaning

utilities ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 6) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

noun services such as gas, water, electricity, telecommunication, etc.

validate ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

verb carry out validation See ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.8.5

validity ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause 8)

noun conformity to fact, accuracy or precision

verify ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 7 and 8) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

verb carry out verification See ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.8.4

workspace ISO 9001:2008 (Clause 6) NOT USED IN DIS 9004

noun area in which work is performed

1. Introduction