inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən 

1

a

: the act of inspecting

b

: recognition of a familiar pattern leading to immediate solution of a mathematical problem

solve an equation by inspection

2

: a checking or testing of an individual against established standards

Synonyms

• audit
• check
• checkup
• examination
• going-over
• look-see
• review
• scan
• scrutiny
• survey
• view

Examples of inspection in a Sentence

Close inspection of the candles revealed some small defects.

Regular inspections are required of all restaurants in the area.

The barracks are ready for inspection.

Recent Examples on the Web

My father-in-law insists on two weeks of inspection, loan and appraisal contingency periods. —Pat Kapowich, The Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2024

The Seaquarium has accused Miami-Dade of focusing on failings in federal animal-care inspections, but not acknowledging steps the facility’s management has taken to cure the violations and remain in compliance with U.S. laws governing captive animals used for entertainment. —Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2024

McFadden previously voiced his concerns about the amount of data an inspector requested at a recent semi-annual inspection of the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. —Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 19 Apr. 2024

From design to material sourcing, fabrication to assembly, and inspection to packaging, each part of the process is equally crucial. —Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024

State and federal transportation officials found problems with the bridge during a safety inspection, which was required because of issues with similar, high-strength steel bridges in other parts of the country. —Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2024

More costly prepurchase inspections should involve tests on the engine that will give you a picture of its health and likely durability. —Josh Jacquot, Quartz, 17 Apr. 2024

The county conducts roughly 14,000 inspections a year, and 97% of all restaurants pass their inspections, spokesman Ken Casparis previously told The Bee. —Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 12 Apr. 2024

The Holland Tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey was temporarily closed for inspection and has been reopened, authorities said. —Chris Pandolfo, Fox News, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing inspection

• inspection arms
• on closer inspection
• tour of inspection

Kids Definition

inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən 

: the act or an instance of inspecting

Medical Definition

inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən 

: visual observation of the body in the course of a medical examination compare palpation sense 2

inspect

in-ˈspekt 

verb

Legal Definition

inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion

: a careful and critical examination: as

a

: a buyer's examination of goods prior to payment or acceptance especially in accordance with section 2-513 of the Uniform Commercial Code

b

: an examination of articles of commerce to determine their fitness for transportation or sale

c

: an investigation of an applicant for insurance

d

: an examination or survey of a community, of premises, of a facility, or of a vehicle by an authorized person (as to determine compliance with regulations or susceptibility to fire or other hazards)

specifically : administrative search at search

e

: examination of documents, things, or property for purposes of making discovery for trial