scrutiny
- 01 C1 Advanced
a very close and careful look at something to check for problems or details.
the act of examining something closely and minutely, often to ensure it meets a specific standard or to detect errors.
Simple“The company's financial records are under close scrutiny by the government.”
In context“The proposed legislation came under intense public scrutiny after several independent analysts highlighted potential loopholes in the tax code.”
UsageOften follows the prepositions 'under' or 'subject to'.
Synonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
a formal check of votes in an election to make sure the count is correct.
a formal examination of the votes cast in an election, typically conducted by a committee to verify the accuracy of the poll.
Simple“The candidate requested a scrutiny of the ballots after the results were announced.”
In context“Following allegations of electoral fraud, the high court ordered a full scrutiny of the paper ballots in the disputed districts.”
UsageIn this sense, it is often a countable noun referring to the specific procedure.
Usage scrutiny of his finances
“The investigation into an alleged failure to declare an interest was paused after Farage resigned as an MP last month in response to scrutiny of his financial backing, triggering the by-election.”
“The voting rules have been under scrutiny since the Israeli government encouraged fans to register multiple votes for the country's contestant in 2025.”
From Middle English scrutiny, from Medieval Latin scrūtinium (“a search, an inquiry”), from Vulgar Latin scrūtor (“to search or examine thoroughly”), from Late Latin scrūta (“rubbish, broken trash”), from an extension of Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (“to cut”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.