English Reference
noun

identification

n.
US /aɪˌdɛntəfəˈkeɪʃən/ UK /aɪdˈɛntɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/ iden·ti·fi·ca·tion UK spelling identifications

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of recognizing or naming a person or thing.

    the process of recognizing or establishing who or what someone or something is.

    Simple

    The identification of the rare bird took the scientists several hours of study.

    In context

    The rapid identification of the virus strain allowed the medical team to implement targeted containment measures immediately.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'of'.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    an official document, like a passport, that proves who you are.

    official documentation or credentials used to prove a person's identity.

    Simple

    You need to show some form of identification to enter the building.

    In context

    The security protocol requires all visitors to present valid photo identification before they are issued a temporary pass.

    Usage

    Commonly shortened to 'ID' in informal speech and writing.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Academic

    a feeling that you understand or share the same ideas as someone else.

    a psychological or emotional connection with a person, group, or set of ideas.

    Simple

    The author's identification with the poor is clear in all her books.

    In context

    The candidate's strong identification with working-class values resonated deeply with the rural electorate during the campaign.

    Usage

    Usually followed by the preposition 'with'.

While formal identification has not yet taken place, the body is believed to be his.

BBC News· 15 Aug 2026

According to her, decades of international research show that this type of approach produces reliable data and allows for the identification of phenomena that rarely appear in official statistics.

Phys.org· 12 Aug 2026

From French identification.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated