Word
Definitions
01to identify exactly
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to find or describe the exact reason for something or the exact place where it is.
v. to identify or locate someone or something with extreme accuracy. Transitive — requires a direct object.
“It was difficult to pinpoint the exact moment the engine started making that noise.”
“Forensic investigators worked for weeks to pinpoint the source of the leak within the complex network of underground pipes.”
02extremely precise
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. very accurate or specific, especially when talking about a location.
adj. characterised by extreme precision or specific focus, particularly regarding spatial coordinates or diagnostic accuracy.
“The pilot landed the helicopter with pinpoint accuracy on the small platform.”
“The surgeon operated with pinpoint precision, ensuring that the surrounding healthy tissue remained entirely undisturbed during the procedure.”
Antonyms
03a tiny point
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary
n. a very small dot or the sharp end of a pin.
n. the physical point of a pin, or figuratively, any infinitesimal point or tiny spot of light.
“In the distance, we could see a tiny pinpoint of light from a lonely cabin.”
“The night sky was so clear that every star appeared as a sharp pinpoint against the deep velvet blackness.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Pitfall
pinpoint to the problem
pinpoint the problem
Pinpoint is a transitive verb and does not require a preposition before its object.
Real-World Examples
“The Trump administration delayed a rule last year that could have sped up the effort to pinpoint the source of the contamination.” “But researchers are beginning to pinpoint what might actually help.” Etymology
From pin + point.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/pinpoint
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0