When the word “mandatory” is used, it means that a requirement, condition, or procedure must be obeyed or followed. In other words, it is something which is legally or morally required or enforced.
For example, in most places it is a legal requirement to wear a seat belt when driving a car. This is a ‘mandatory’ requirement. Failure to comply with the law may result in a penalty, such as a fine.
Mandatory requirements can also be enforced in other contexts, such as in a professional or educational environment. For example, an employer may require that employees must adhere to certain workplace safety regulations and procedures, such as wearing appropriate safety equipment. Similarly, a university may have a ‘mandatory’ attendance policy for a course, meaning that if a student fails to attend a minimum number of classes, they may be at risk of being removed from the course.
In summary, when something is described as being ‘mandatory’, it must be taken seriously and adhered to. Neglecting to comply with a mandatory requirement could have serious legal or professional implications, depending on the context.