Which should you use, adherence or adhesion? The noun adherence means the action of continuing to obey a rule or law. The noun adhesion means the ability of one thing to stick to another.
| Incorrect: |
Glues and paints have poor adherence to the surface, resulting in flaking. |
| Correct: |
Glues and paints have poor adhesion to the surface, resulting in flaking. |
| Incorrect: |
She appreciates his fairness and strict adhesion to the law. |
| Correct: |
She appreciates his fairness and strict adherence to the law. |
