inspection
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the act of looking at something closely to check its condition or to find problems.
the act of examining something carefully and critically, often to detect flaws or verify quality.
Simple“On closer inspection, the mechanic found a small crack in the engine.”
In context“Upon closer inspection of the ancient manuscript, the researchers discovered faint marginalia that had been overlooked for centuries.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'of' before the object being checked.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
an official visit to a place, like a school or factory, to make sure everything is safe and follows the rules.
a formal or official viewing of a facility or organisation to ensure compliance with regulations or standards.
Simple“The restaurant had to close for a day during the health inspection.”
In context“The factory underwent a rigorous safety inspection following the implementation of the new environmental protocols.”
UsageCommonly used in the context of health, safety, or education.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
an official group or organization that checks that laws and rules are being obeyed.
an administrative body or agency tasked with monitoring and enforcing specific legal or professional standards.
Simple“The school is waiting for the report from the national education inspection.”
In context“The maritime inspection has the authority to detain any vessel that fails to meet international safety requirements.”
UsageOften functions as a collective noun for the department itself.
Synonyms
Usage visual inspection
“The engine’s fan blades underwent ultrasonic inspections in November 2025 and May 2026, with no damage detected.”
“The fan blades had undergone ultrasonic inspections in recent months with “no findings”.”
From Middle French, from Old French inspeccion, from Latin īnspectiō (“examination, inspection”), from the verb īnspiciō (“to inspect”), from speciō (“to look at”). By surface analysis, inspect + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.