adjudication

noun

ad·​ju·​di·​ca·​tion ə-ˌjü-di-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of adjudicating a dispute

The case is under adjudication.

2

a

: a judicial decision or sentence

b

: a decree in bankruptcy

Examples of adjudication in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Every ballot is accounted for, every seal that secures a machine has a number that’s recorded and checked, and every provisional ballot is fully documented and sent along for adjudication by the election board. —Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026

Immigration-status adjudication, by which asylum is granted or citizenship is awarded, came to DHS because of its connection to border and immigration issues. —Paul Rosenzweig, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026

In the juvenile system, detention is intended to be short term and is generally used prior to an adjudication, the determination of someone’s guilt or innocence. —Jeffrey Shook, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026

Deferred adjudication in Texas typically results in dismissal if conditions are met, though the underlying records remain visible in some background searches. —Nick El Hajj, Des Moines Register, 19 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin adjūdicātiōn-, adjūdicātiō "act of assignment (by a judge)," from adjūdicāre "to adjudge" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for adjudication

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• administration
• adulteration
• affiliation