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
This document supersedes:

Changes

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

: Use of the word Outsource in ISO 9001 : 2008

Previous version

NOT USED IN
verb
9001:2008
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

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

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
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
can

noun

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

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

verb

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

Word
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)
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)

Meaning
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

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

Word
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)
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)

Meaning
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

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

Word
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)
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)

Meaning
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

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

persons performance of a task, etc., used as a
basis for improvement

noun

centre of interest or activity

noun

essential supporting or underlying structure

Word
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
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)

Meaning
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

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

Word
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
maintain
ISO 9001:2008
(Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7 and
8)
ISO 9004:2009
(Clauses 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
and 9)
maintenance
ISO 9001:2008
(Clause 7)
NOT USED IN DIS
9004
may

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)

Meaning
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

verb

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

continue

noun

process or state of keeping (a system, service,

building, machine, etc) in good order by checking
or repairing it regularly

verb

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

Word
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)
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])

Meaning
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

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

Word
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)
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

Meaning
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

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

10

Word
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)
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)

Meaning
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

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

11

Word
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
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
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

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

12

Word

Meaning

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)
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)

noun

noun

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

See definition of product in ISO 9000:2005 clause

3.4.2

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

13

Word
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
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 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.

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