Word
inspection
Phoneticsin·spec·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈspɛkʃən/
UK/ɪnspˈɛkʃən/
Definitions
01careful examination
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of looking at something closely to check its condition or to find problems.
n. the act of examining something carefully and critically, often to detect flaws or verify quality.
“On closer inspection, the mechanic found a small crack in the engine.”
“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.
Synonyms
02official visit
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. an official visit to a place, like a school or factory, to make sure everything is safe and follows the rules.
n. a formal or official viewing of a facility or organisation to ensure compliance with regulations or standards.
“The restaurant had to close for a day during the health inspection.”
“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.
Synonyms
03regulatory body
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal · Technical
n. an official group or organization that checks that laws and rules are being obeyed.
n. an administrative body or agency tasked with monitoring and enforcing specific legal or professional standards.
“The school is waiting for the report from the national education inspection.”
“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.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “inspection” in context.
Adjective
01. visual inspection
“A quick visual inspection of the engine revealed several loose bolts that needed tightening.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“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”.” “The engine had undergone ultrasonic inspections in May this year with no findings of fault, the report stated.” “Closer inspection reveals less homely details: conspiracy magazines and lurid novels, which in the presumed abduction scenario in which Lena finds herself, are hardly reassuring.” Etymology
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.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/inspection