non-observance

A driver's non-observance of the traffic signal caused a minor collision.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Failure to comply: "non-observance" refers to the act of not following or adhering to a rule, law, custom, or practice.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The company was fined for non-observance of safety regulations. (Failure to follow safety rules.)
  • Non-observance of the speed limit can lead to accidents. (Not obeying the speed limit.)
  • His non-observance of traditional customs caused offense. (His disregard for established traditions.)

Advanced Usage

• "non-observance of the law": a formal phrase used in legal or official contexts to describe failure to obey legislation.

  • The government warned citizens about the consequences of non-observance of the new tax laws. (Failure to comply with tax regulations.)

• "non-observance of religious rites": used in anthropological or religious discussions to describe the neglect of ritual duties.

  • The tribe's elders were concerned about the younger generation's non-observance of sacred ceremonies. (Neglect of religious practices.)

Variants and Related Words

• Non-observant (adj): describing a person who fails to observe rules or customs.

  • He is non-observant of dietary restrictions. (He does not follow dietary rules.)

• Observance (n): the act of following or complying with a rule or custom.

  • Strict observance of the rules is required. (Careful following of the rules.)

Synonyms

• Disregard: the act of ignoring or paying no attention to something.

  • His disregard for instructions led to errors. (Similar to non-observance but often implies intentional neglect.)

• Violation: an act of breaking or failing to comply with a rule or law.

  • The violation of the contract resulted in a lawsuit. (A more serious form of non-observance.)

• Neglect: failure to give proper attention or care to something.

  • Neglect of safety procedures caused the accident. (Similar to non-observance but often implies carelessness.)

Related Idioms

• To turn a blind eye to: to deliberately ignore something that is wrong.

  • The manager turned a blind eye to non-observance of the dress code. (He ignored the failure to follow the dress code.)

• To fall foul of: to come into conflict with a rule or law through non-observance.

  • He fell foul of the authorities due to non-observance of building codes. (He violated building regulations.)