What does "inspection" mean?

1. (careful examination) the act of looking at something closely to check its condition or to find problems. 2. (official visit) an official visit to a place, like a school or factory, to make sure everything is safe and follows the rules. 3. (regulatory body) an official group or organization that checks that laws and rules are being obeyed.

How do you use "inspection"?

Often used with the preposition 'of' before the object being checked. Commonly used in the context of health, safety, or education. Often functions as a collective noun for the department itself.

inspection

US //ˌɪnˈspɛkʃən// UK //ɪnspˈɛkʃən// in·spec·tion

1 careful examination (n.)
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.

Example

On closer inspection, the mechanic found a small crack in the engine.

Example

Upon closer inspection of the ancient manuscript, the researchers discovered faint marginalia that had been overlooked for centuries.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'of' before the object being checked.
- neglect
- oversight
2 official visit (n.)
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.

Example

The restaurant had to close for a day during the health inspection.

Example

The factory underwent a rigorous safety inspection following the implementation of the new environmental protocols.

Usage

Commonly used in the context of health, safety, or education.

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3 regulatory body (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

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.

Example

The school is waiting for the report from the national education inspection.

Example

The maritime inspection has the authority to detain any vessel that fails to meet international safety requirements.

Usage

Often functions as a collective noun for the department itself.

Origin

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.