inspection

American

[in-spek-shuhn] / ɪnˈspɛk ʃən /

noun

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.

Related Words

See examination.

Other Word Forms

inspectional adjective
preinspection noun
reinspection noun
self-inspection noun

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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing inspection

Vocabulary from history writings about the Triangle Factory Fire

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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.

Ships carrying humanitarian supplies, Centcom says, will be permitted, but "subject to inspection."

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Based in Germany, Waygate Technologies provides specialty testing and inspection technologies that evaluate the structural integrity of materials across various industries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

GE Aerospace uses AI for design, monitoring, inspection, and worker productivity, benefiting from aerospace’s high capital intensity and regulation.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

But make sure you’re factoring in the cost of a prepurchase inspection, which can run anywhere from $200 to $500, to make sure the math still works in your favor.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

The pawnbroker looked at it from various angles, and after a minute of intense inspection said, “I can do one fifty for pawn,” the pawnbroker said.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023