English Reference
noun

judgment

n.
US /ˈdʒədʒmənt/ UK /dʒˈʌdʒmənt/ judg·ment UK spelling judgement, judgements, judgment's, judgment's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the ability to make sensible decisions or to tell the difference between right and wrong.

    the cognitive faculty or capacity for making sensible decisions and forming objective conclusions.

    Simple

    You should trust your own judgment when choosing which job offer to accept.

    In context

    The manager was praised for her sound judgment during the crisis, as she remained calm and made logical choices under pressure.

    discernmentwisdomcommon sense
    foolishnessindiscretion
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    an opinion that you form after thinking carefully about something.

    a subjective opinion or evaluation formed after a period of consideration.

    Simple

    In my judgment, the plan is too expensive and will not work.

    In context

    The critic reserved judgment on the new novel until he had finished the final chapter, wanting to ensure his review was fair.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    an official decision made by a judge or a court of law.

    a formal and authoritative decision made by a court of law or a judicial officer.

    Simple

    The court will give its final judgment on the case next Tuesday.

    In context

    The Supreme Court issued a landmark judgment that fundamentally altered how privacy laws are applied to digital communications.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of criticizing someone or saying they are wrong.

    the act of passing negative moral or social criticism on a person's character or actions.

    Simple

    She felt the judgment of the other parents when her child started crying.

    In context

    Living in a small town often means facing the constant judgment of neighbours who monitor every aspect of your private life.

Usage make judgement · make judgment

I will happily accept the judgement of these voters … I’ve decided that the people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

Yet students are often still prepared for traditional, entry-level roles in which they develop judgment by producing the first draft themselves.

The Conversation· 7 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated