Word

inspection

noun C1

/ɪnˈspɛkʃən/

Meanings

noun

a careful official or systematic examination of something to check its condition, quality, or compliance

noun

a formal review of a group of people or equipment, especially in a military or ceremonial context

Definition

An inspection is a careful official or systematic check to see whether something meets required standards.

An inspection is a close examination of something, often done to confirm safety, quality, or compliance with rules. It can be planned in advance or carried out without warning by a person in authority. Inspections are common in workplaces, buildings, vehicles, and public services. The goal is to identify problems and ensure requirements are being followed.

Examples

After the inspection, the manager ordered immediate repairs to the faulty ventilation system.
During the inspection, you can ask the officer to clarify which standards they are applying.
His inspection of the laboratory equipment revealed several small issues that could have become serious later.
Before the inspection, she reviewed the maintenance logs and checked every emergency exit.
Their inspection of the shipment confirmed that the seals were intact and the packaging was undamaged.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse "inspection" (the process of checking) with "investigation" (a deeper inquiry to find causes or responsibility).