audit

[ aw-dit ]

noun

1. an official examination and verification of accounts and records, especially of financial accounts.
2. a report or statement reflecting an audit; a final statement of account.
3. the inspection or examination of a building or other facility to evaluate or improve its appropriateness, safety, efficiency, or the like:

   An energy audit can suggest ways to reduce home fuel bills.

4. Archaic. a judicial hearing.
5. Obsolete. an audience.

verb (used with object)

1. to make an audit of; examine (accounts, records, etc.) for purposes of verification:

   The accountants audited the company's books at the end of the fiscal year.

2. to attend (classes, lectures, etc.) as an auditor.
3. to make an audit of (a building or other facility) to evaluate or improve its safety, efficiency, or the like.

verb (used without object)

1. to examine and verify an account or accounts by reference to vouchers.

audit

/ ˈɔːdɪt /

noun

1. 1. an inspection, correction, and verification of business accounts, conducted by an independent qualified accountant
   2. ( as modifier )

      audit report

2. an audited account
3. any thoroughgoing check or examination
4. archaic.
   a hearing

verb

1. to inspect, correct, and certify (accounts, etc)
2. to attend (classes, etc) as an auditor

audit

1. The examination by an outside party of the accounts of an individual or corporation .

Other Words From

• audit·a·ble adjective
• re·audit noun verb
• un·audit·ed adjective
• well-audit·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of audit¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English audite, from Latin audītus “the sense or act of hearing,” noun derivative of audīre “to hear”

Word History and Origins

Origin of audit¹

C15: from Latin audītus a hearing, from audīre to hear

Example Sentences

Adams Kellum said she welcomed the audit to see if the agency is “on the right track for system improvement that we’ve already put in place, and to further let us know what’s missing.”

From Los Angeles Times

An audit found that in fiscal year 2020, the city spent $12 million — nearly half its total budget for sidewalk repairs — to resolve injury claims and lawsuits.

From Los Angeles Times

Some companies are hiring lawyers to audit the legal status of employees or to prepare staff for unannounced visits by immigration officials, The Financial Times reports.

From New York Times

It may have been the main source of revenue for successive governments but for decades, until 2020, the board did not disclose its audited accounts.

From BBC

“I welcome both a debate about the merits of these reform initiatives and an audit of U.F.’s expenses,” he wrote.

From New York Times

Related Words

• analyze
• examine
• investigate
• scrutinize
• verify