# unit test

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unit-test
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. software check

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a small, automated test that checks a single function or part of a computer program.

For teachers: an automated test designed to verify the correctness of a specific, isolated section of source code, such as a single function or method.

- The developer wrote a unit test to make sure the login button worked correctly.
- Before merging the new feature, the engineer had to ensure that every unit test passed to prevent regressions in the core logic.

Usage: Often used with the verbs 'write', 'run', or 'pass'.

### 2. to test code

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to perform tests on small parts of a computer program to find errors.

For teachers: to subject software components to individual verification procedures.

- It is important to unit test your code as you write it.
- The team decided to unit test the entire payment module before moving on to the user interface design.

Usage: This is a transitive verb, though it is often used as a gerund (unit testing).

## Examples

- I need to write a unit test for this new login function.
- The developer ran the entire suite of unit tests to ensure that the recent bug fix didn't break any existing features.
- Comprehensive unit tests are a cornerstone of test-driven development, allowing engineers to refactor complex codebases with the confidence that the fundamental logic of each module remains intact.

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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.