Introduction and support package:
Guidance on some of the frequently used words found in the ISO 9000 family of standards
This document supersedes ISO/TC176/SC1/WG1N 301 R2
June 2010
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.
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 commmon words used in the ISO 9000 family of standards
| Word | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
|
accordance ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses7 and 8) |
noun | (in accordance with) in a manner conforming with |
|
activity ISO 9001:2008 (Clause0.2) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses1, 4, 6 and 9) |
noun | action in pursuit of an objective |
|
adequacy ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 5 and 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause8) |
noun | sufficiency to satisfy a requirement |
|
adjustment ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7) NOT USED IN ISO 9004:2009 |
noun | act of making something to match a standard |
|
analysis ISO 9001:2008 (Clause8) 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 (Clauses4, 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 (Clauses1, 6, 8 and A.6) |
adjective |
relevant appropriate possible to apply |
|
assess ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses0.1, 5 and 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and A.4) |
verb | etermine the value of |
|
authority ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 5 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause7) |
noun |
power to command or give a final decision body that has legal powers and rights |
|
available ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4) 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 (Clause8) |
noun | knowledge or perception of a situation or fact |
|
calibration ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7) NOT USED IN ISO 9004:2009 |
noun | act of aligning the accuracy of a measuring equipment to a known standard |
| 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 (Clauses5, 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 (Clause5) NOT USED IN ISO 9004:2009 |
verb | (person or organization) meet specified standards |
|
confirm ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7) 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 (Clauses6, 7, 8, A.2 and A.6) |
adjective |
(consistent with) conforming to or in agreement with coherent with |
|
consistently ISO 9001:2008 (Clause1) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4 and 9) |
adverb | unchanging over time |
|
control ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2, 4, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause8) |
noun |
power to direct, restrain or regulate means of restraining or regulating |
|
control ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause7) |
verb |
direct, restrain or regulate restrain or regulate |
|
data ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 6, 8 and 9) |
noun | facts used for reference or analysis |
|
define ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 5, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses5, 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 (Clause9) |
verb | show clearly with objective evidence |
|
deploy NOT USED IN 9001:2008 ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 5 and A.2) |
verb | put into use or action |
|
deployment NOT USED IN 9001:2008 ISO 9004:2009 (Clause5) |
noun | implementation |
|
determine ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses5, 6, 7, 8, A.1 and A.2) |
verb | establish or find out with certainty by research, examination or calculation |
|
distribution ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause5 and 6) |
noun | act of allocating to recipients |
|
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 (Clause4) 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 (Clauses6, 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 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) |
verb | make certain of |
|
essential ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6, 8 and 9) |
adjective | absolutely necessary |
|
establish ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2, 0.4, 4, 5, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 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 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and A.2) |
noun |
belief about (or mental picture of) the future wishing with confidence of fulfilment |
|
experience ISO 9001:2008 (Clause6) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6, 8, 9 and Annex B) |
noun | practical contact with and observation of facts and events |
|
facilitate NOT USED IN 9001:2008 ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses7 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 (Clauses5 and 8) |
noun | information given in response to a product, a person’s performance of a task, etc., used as a basis for improvement |
|
focus ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.3 and 5) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause4) |
noun | centre of interest or activity |
|
framework ISO 9001:2008 (Clause5) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, A.2 and B.7) |
noun | essential supporting or underlying structure |
|
functional ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses8, A.4, A.5 and Annex B) |
adjective | designed to be practical and useful |
|
hardware ISO 9001:2008 (Clause6) 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 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 7, 8, A.5 and A.6) |
verb | establish the identity of someone or somebody |
|
identifiable ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4) NOT USED IN DIS 9004 |
adjective | recognizable through a unique characteristic |
|
impartiality ISO 9001:2008 (Clause8) 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 (Clauses6, 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 (Clause0.3) NOT USED IN DIS 9004 |
adjective |
- not connected with another; separate - not subject to another’s authority |
|
integrity ISO 9001:2008 (Clause5) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6 and 8) |
noun | state of being whole; the condition of being unified or sound in construction |
|
irrespective ISO 9001:2008 (Clause5) NOT USED IN DIS 9004 |
adjective |
-in spite of - without regard to |
|
justification ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4) NOT USED IN DIS 9004 |
noun | evidence proving that something is right or reasonable |
|
legible ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4) 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 |
|
maintain ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) |
verb | cause or enable (a condition or state of affairs) to continue |
|
maintenance ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7) 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 (Clause5) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause8) |
adjective | able to be measured |
|
measure ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses 0.2 and 4) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4 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 (Clause0.2) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses8, 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 (Clauses4, 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 (Clauses4, 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 (Clauses4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A.2, A.3, A.4 andA.5) |
noun | a lack of something that is required |
|
objective ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses0.1, 0.3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and A.2) |
noun | something to be achieved |
|
objective ISO 9001:2008 (Clause0.2) NOT USED IN DIS 9004 |
adjective | not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering or representing facts |
|
obsolete ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4) 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 NOT USED IN 9001:2008 ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6 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 (Clauses4, 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 (Clause8) |
adjective | recurring or reappearing at regular intervals |
|
physical ISO 9001:2008 (Clause6) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause6) |
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 (Clauses0.2, 5, 7 and 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6, 7, 8 and 9) |
verb | decide on and arrange in advance |
|
practicable ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause8) |
adjective | capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are |
|
preservation ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7) NOT USED IN DIS 9004 |
noun | action or act of maintaining something in its original or existing state |
|
previous ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses5, 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 (Clause0.2) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 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 (Clause7) NOT USED IN DIS 9004 |
noun | thing or things belonging to a person, persons or organization |
|
protect ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause6) |
verb | keep safe from damage |
|
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 (Clauses7, 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 (Clauses1, 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 (Clauses4, 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 (Clauses0.2, 1, 4 and 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses4, 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 (Clauses4, 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 (Clause8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses5, 6 and Annex B) |
adjective | having an obligation to do something or having control over or care for someone |
|
retain ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4) NOT USED IN DIS 9004 |
verb |
keep possession of not abolish, discard or alter |
|
retrievable ISO 9001:2008 (Clause4) NOT USED IN DIS 9004 |
adjective | capable of being brought back |
|
safeguard ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7) NOT USED IN DIS 9004 |
verb | protect or prevent something undesirable (from happening) |
|
scope ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses1, 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 (Clause4) 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 (Clause6) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6 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 |
|
specific ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses0.4 and 7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses7, 8, 9 and Annex B) |
adjective | of or relating to a particular subject |
|
specify ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7) NOT USED IN DIS 9004 |
verb | state explicitly, clearly and definitely |
|
statutory ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses0.1, 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 (Clauses4, 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 (Clauses6 and 8) |
noun | characteristic of something that is right or appropriate for a particular purpose |
|
suitable ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7, 8) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses6, 7 and A.5) |
adjective | appropriate (for a particular purpose) |
|
supply ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause5) |
verb | make available for use |
|
systematic ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clauses5 and 8) |
adjective | done or acting according to a system |
|
training ISO 9001:2008 (Clause6) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause6) |
noun | act of developing a particular skill or type of behaviour through demonstration, instruction and practice |
|
unambiguous ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7) NOT USED IN DIS 9004 |
adjective | having only one meaning |
|
utilities ISO 9001:2008 (Clause6) NOT USED IN DIS 9004 |
noun | services such as gas, water, electricity, telecommunication, etc. |
|
validate ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7) NOT USED IN DIS 9004 |
verb |
carry out validation See ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.8.5 |
|
validity ISO 9001:2008 (Clause7) ISO 9004:2009 (Clause8) |
noun | conformity to fact, accuracy or precision |
|
verify ISO 9001:2008 (Clauses7 and 8) NOT USED IN DIS 9004 |
verb |
carry out verification See ISO 9000:2005 clause 3.8.4 |
|
workspace ISO 9001:2008 (Clause6) NOT USED IN DIS 9004 |
noun | area in which work is performed |
Updated document based on comments of ISO/TC176/SC1/WG1 N 301 R2, post Tokyo meeting.
Related information
- ISO and IAF announce schedule for implementation of accredited certification to ISO 9001:2008
- ISO 9001:2008 - Introduction and support package
- More ISO 9000 resources
- Quality management principles
- ISO 9001 - What does it mean in the supply chain?
- ISO 9001:2000 auditing kit
- More ISO 14000 resources
News feeds
