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 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)

Meaning (in accordance with) in a manner conforming with

action in pursuit of an objective

sufficiency to satisfy a requirement

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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 noun

Meaning 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

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Word can verb

Meaning 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

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

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

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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) noun

Meaning - 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

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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) noun

Meaning 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

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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 noun

Meaning 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 persons 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

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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 noun

Meaning 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

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Word 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

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

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

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)

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

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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) noun

Meaning 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

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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)

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 further the progress of, support or encourage

verb

noun

thing or things belonging to a person, persons or organization

verb

keep safe from damage

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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 noun

Meaning - 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

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Word 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

Meaning adjective capable of being brought back

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

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

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

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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)

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

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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

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

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