inspection
Americannoun
-
the act of inspecting or viewing, especially carefully or critically.
an inspection of all luggage on the plane.
-
formal or official viewing or examination.
an inspection of the troops.
Usage
What is an inspection? An inspection is an instance of viewing, examining, or critically analyzing something with the purpose of improving it or highlighting something. Inspections are often done to identify specific problems or aspects of something. For example, you might perform an inspection of your body after walking in the woods to see if any ticks have attached themselves to you. An inspection can also be a formal examination of something or someone to see if they meet specific requirements. A vehicle inspection, for example, is performed by a trained professional who reviews your vehicle against a list of safety checks to ensure your car is safe to drive. Example: My whole fleet of trucks will be up for a safety inspection in a few months.
Synonym Usage
See examination.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of inspection
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English inspeccio(u)n, from Latin inspectiōn- (stem of inspectiō ). See inspect, -ion
Explanation
Every year, your car must get an inspection by an authorized mechanic who verifies that it is not a hazard on the road or harmful to the environment. An inspection is an official examination. Inspection can also mean "a close look at." If you discover a bug in your back yard, it might require a careful inspection to figure out what kind of insect it is. An idea might sound good, but on closer inspection, you find that it won't work. Think of inspection as someone looking closely at something to determine a set of facts.
Vocabulary lists containing inspection
Vocabulary from history writings about the Triangle Factory Fire
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"The Moustache" and "Who We Really Are"
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"Flesh & Blood So Cheap: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy" by Albert Marrin
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
A further inspection took place at B&M's store at The Fort Shopping Park in Erdington on 27 October 2025 following a complaint alleging a mouse infestation.
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
“We are in direct communication with members, encouraging them to review their policies, staffing, inspection practices, borrower communications, disbursement timelines and determination processes, and escalation procedures,” Gigliotti said in a statement.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026
If a legislator is visiting for an inspection, they are now required to present privacy waivers for each detainee they want to speak with, which must be signed by the detainee.
From Salon ● Jul. 17, 2026
In the case of the former Pfizer building, Domani inspector John McMonagle is listed on permits as being responsible for the inspection of structural steel and the structural stability of alterations to existing buildings.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026
He placed it on his lap and carefully unwrapped it and held it up for their inspection.
From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
Inspectors are monitoring corrective actions and conducting regular inspections for compliance, according to the public health department.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2026
Their work included repeated simulations, theoretical modeling, and detailed inspections of the instrument.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 24, 2026
The deal also lacks specific provisions for international inspections, something the country reportedly insisted on.
From Slate ● Jul. 23, 2026
"No individual or group has the authority to conduct immigration inspections, verify legal status, or remove people from communities."
From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026
This year would be a sad time for inspections, right and true.
From "The Ugly One" by Leanne Statland Ellis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
