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
This document supersedes:

Changes

ISO/TC176/SC1 N399
ISO/TC176/SC1/WG1 N317

: Use of the word Outsource in ISO 9001 : 2008

Previous version

NOT USED IN
9001:2008
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

Outsource
verb
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])

obtain goods or services from an outside supplier

when considered as an alternative to carry out
the associated process within the own
organization

Current version

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
accordance
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 7 and 8)
activity
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 0.2)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 1, 4, 6 and 9)
adequacy
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 4, 5 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 8)
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)

Meaning
noun

(in accordance with) in a manner conforming with

noun

action in pursuit of an objective

noun

sufficiency to satisfy a requirement

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

Word

Meaning

authority
noun
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 5 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 7)
available
adjective
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 4)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5, 6, 7, 8 and
9)
awareness
noun
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 5 and 6)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 8)
calibration
noun
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN ISO
9004:2009
can
verb

- power to command or give a final decision

- body that has legal powers and rights

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

noun

able to be used or obtained

knowledge or perception of a situation or fact

act of aligning the accuracy of a measuring

equipment to a known standard

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

Word
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)
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)

Meaning
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

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

Word
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)
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)

Meaning
verb

establish or find out with certainty by research,

examination or calculation

noun

act of allocating to recipients

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

Word

Meaning

exclusion
noun
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 1 and 4)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
expectation
noun
NOT USED IN
9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
and A.2)
experience
noun
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 6)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 8, 9 and
Annex B)
facilitate
verb
NOT USED IN
9001:2008
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 7 and 8)
feedback
noun
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 5 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 5 and 8)
focus
noun
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.3 and 5)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 4)
framework
noun
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 5)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, A.2 and B.
7)
functional
adjective
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 8, A.4, A.5
and Annex B)
hardware
noun
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 6)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
identify
verb
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.2 and 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
A.5 and A.6)

item or eventuality specifically not covered

- belief about (or mental picture of) the future

- wishing with confidence of fulfilment

practical contact with and observation of facts

and events

- make easy or easier

- promote, help forward (an action, result, etc.)

information given in response to a product, a

persons performance of a task, etc., used as a
basis for improvement
centre of interest or activity

essential supporting or underlying structure

designed to be practical and useful

See the definition of product in ISO 9000:2005

clause 3.4.2

establish the identity of someone or somebody

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

Meaning
adjective recognizable through a unique characteristic

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 anothers 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)

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

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

adjective tangible or concrete

Word

Meaning

plan
noun
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
and A.1)
plan
verb
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 0.2, 5, 7 and
8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 7, 8 and 9)
practicable
adjective
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 8)
preservation
noun
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
previous
adjective
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 5, 7 and 8)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
process approach
noun
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 0.2)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4, 7 and 9 )
promote
verb
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 0.2)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 4 and 6)
property
noun
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
protect
verb
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clause 6)
realization
noun
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 1, 4, 7 and 8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 6, 7 and 9)

scheme, programme or method worked out

beforehand for the accomplishment of an
objective

decide on and arrange in advance

capable of being done with means at hand and

circumstances as they are

action or act of maintaining something in its

original or existing state

existing or occurring before something else in

time or in order

systematic identification and management of the

processes employed within an organization and
particularly the interactions between such
processes
further the progress of, support or encourage

thing or things belonging to a person, persons or

organization

keep safe from damage

- action of achieving something desired or

anticipated
- fulfilment

10

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

Meaning
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

adjective capable of being brought back

11

Word

Meaning

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

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

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

noun

noun

See definition of product in ISO 9000:2005

clause 3.4.2

adjective of or relating to a particular subject

12

Word
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)
unambiguous
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
utilities
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 6)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004

Meaning
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

adjective having only one meaning

noun

services such as gas, water, electricity,

telecommunication, etc.

13

Word
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

Meaning
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

14