# scrutiny

/ˈskɹutəni/ (US) · /skɹˈuːtɪni/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scrutiny
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. careful examination

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a very close and careful look at something to check for problems or details.

For teachers: the act of examining something closely and minutely, often to ensure it meets a specific standard or to detect errors.

- The company's financial records are under close scrutiny by the government.
- The proposed legislation came under intense public scrutiny after several independent analysts highlighted potential loopholes in the tax code.

Usage: Often follows the prepositions 'under' or 'subject to'.

### 2. checking election votes

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

a formal check of votes in an election to make sure the count is correct.

For teachers: a formal examination of the votes cast in an election, typically conducted by a committee to verify the accuracy of the poll.

- The candidate requested a scrutiny of the ballots after the results were announced.
- Following allegations of electoral fraud, the high court ordered a full scrutiny of the paper ballots in the disputed districts.

Usage: In this sense, it is often a countable noun referring to the specific procedure.

## Examples

- The new law will face close scrutiny from the public.
- After the accounting error was discovered, every financial record from the last five years came under intense scrutiny.
- The candidate's private life was subjected to such relentless media scrutiny that the original policy debate was entirely overshadowed by tabloid speculation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.